Shopping for clothes has become one of my hobbies. I like to try on new trends, as well as 70s or 80s vintages. The clearance sections at major department stores can yield discounts much deeper than those full-priced items. All you need is to spend time looking for bargains. Try JC Penney, Macys, Dillars. You can easily spend a whole day the the shopping mall. But that’s not it, here are 5 smarter ways to shop for clothes.

 

1.Chain Bargain Stores

Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls offer brand name clothes at very attractive prices. For bargain hunters, walk straight to the clearance sections. Price drops may due to small defects which can hardly be spotted, or lack of sizes. Don’t forget Ross’s senior discount on every Tuesday morning. Kohl’s is also a good choice. Unlike Ross and TJ Maxx, clothes at Kohls are either discounted branded or private labeled. Kohl’s provides coupons from time to time. If you are using Kohl’s credit card, you would receive coupons in your mail box, otherwise, get some coupons from Internet.

 

2.Outlet Stores

Outlet stores could very crowded during weekends and holidays. They used to be many people’s number one choice to shop for bargains. But nowadays they are very much like a regular store offering full price items, such as Gap Outlet, Levi’s Outlet, Adidas Outlet. You need to check out their sale racks, otherwise you would end up buying items at full prices, although you may see price drop tags on them. Nordstrom’s outlet, Rack, is one of my favorites to shop upscale clothing.

 

3.Overstock Websites

SmartBargains.com and Overstock.com are the two bargain sites I would recommend. Smart Bargains mostly sell brand name clothing, shoes and handbags. You could find hundreds of big designers’ apparel here at a fraction of retail price. This website sometimes offers a 15% off or 30% off sitewide coupon. You need to stay alerted to get the big discount. Overstock.com sells everything, you need to dig in to find the real deals. Don’t forget to compare prices when you shop online. Google the item’s name and click on “Shopping” at the left to compare the prices.

 

4.Thrift Stores

Goodwill and The Salvation Army Store are the two most well-known thrift stores in the nation. But there are also hundreds of smaller one. Try searching thrift store in Google Map. You will find plenty in your area. The items at these thrift stores may not be exactly what you wanted. But they are really cheap. You could get a second-hand leather jacket for 5 bucks, or a pair of like-new Prada shoes for $10.

5.Garage Sales

You will never know what surprises you will get before you go to a garage sale. Bargain gently with the seller, you might end up with a really good deal. Examine the clothes very carefully, because you don’t have the chance to return it. Don’t pay for more $10 for any clothes. $1 for a Tee, or $5 for a hoodie is fair enough.