I don’t know a single person that doesn’t love a good bargain, and as somebody whose wardrobe is made up of what can be bought on a student budget, there’s nothing that gets me more excited than the phrase ‘warehouse sale’.
For those of you who aren’t familiar, warehouse sales usually happen at the end of a season when a brand sells their old product for peanuts in order to clear stock and make room for new product. These kinds of gigs are well known to be very intimidating, reminiscent of bad TV re-enactments of the Black Friday sales. There’s a lot of shoving and pushing, arguing over whether it’s you or the other woman who gets to buy the designer dress for less than a fourth of the original price and generally grabbing random things that you’re not even sure you need or want.
They can be very overwhelming to say the least, and warehouse sales can usually only go one of two ways: they can be very lucrative and can save you a lot of money, but they can also be severely disappointing and a total waste of time. The outcome usually depends on your approach to the racks, which is of course what I’m here to guide you on.
You definitely need to be prepared to be a little pushy. I know, I know, getting up in somebody else’s grill over a T-shirt that you think you might like isn’t the best look, but you gotta break some eggs to make an omelette.
While you’re at it – and at a good rack – if you think there’s something you might like, pick it up. You might not be sure at first, but things will go quickly. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time for you to think about it as you’re walking around grabbing stuff, or while you’re trying it all on in the over-crowded change room. Yes, room. One single big room where everybody gets naked and tries on clothes together. It’s intimidating, but I always recommend trying things on before you purchase them. How else will you know if they’re flattering on your body type?
Speaking of change rooms, you’ll want to go in something you can pull off and on super easily. Think shift dresses and slip on shoes. You don’t want to be messing around in the change rooms with layers and things that will slow you down and keep you from getting back out to the racks.
Lastly, before you make any purchases, make sure you take a second to have a real think about whether or not all of the pieces you’re about to spend your hard earned cash on are worth what you’re buying them for.
Think about quality in comparison to what you’re paying for it, and use your initiative. Really think about whether or not you’re getting value for your money.
Warehouse sales are scary, but they can also be a lot of fun. There really isn’t anything better than getting a great bargain when you know that you would have paid 10 times more in store. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
Written by Jessica Alves / @jessicazalves
