KC16

How to get the best out of your Summer Sale shopping:

Just thought I would share some insider knowledge, as I am a former Home Furnishings Buyer for some of the high street's biggest names, and have a few tips to share. 

1. Shop early if there's something you've been looking at for a long time.  If you've waited forever for the Missoni bedlinen or Kartell table lamp to be marked down, chances are that someone else has been too!  Get in early to make sure you snap up that killer purchase.

2.  Sales are a great time to stock up on basics - glassware, bed linen, bath linen, crockery and china are usually reduced significantly (and who wants to spend full price on that kind of stuff anyway?  It's the home funishings equivalent of pyjamas!).

3. Don't be fooled by product called 'Special Offers' -- this is product that has been bought especially for the sales.  Stores buy it in cheap, mark it way up before the sale, and then discount it to what it should really be priced for.  So essentially, even when you buy it at a discounted price, you're actually paying full price!  Now, if you love it and think it's worth it, go ahead and buy -- just be aware...

4. If you are determined to brave the high street and buy something in person, you might be able to haggle a little bit on ex-display items (like bigger pieces of furniture).  Especially as the sale progresses, stores will be eager to get rid of this slightly lived-in product -- and may be prepared to be flexible on the price.  Just make sure you're talking to someone who is in a position to bargain, like the department or shop floor manager.  This tends to work better in smaller, independent retailers rather than the big chains.  Also, all ex-display stock is sold as-is, so make sure you look it over carefully before buying.  Nothing worse than buying a sofa cheap (that you can't return) and then discovering a huge inkstain on the back of a cushion.

5. If you just want to bag a bargain, wait until the bitter end.  Most retailers need to get rid of all of their sale product to make way for next season's new stock, so if you hang in there (and aren't all that fussed if it's not the colour cushion you were dying for), you can pick up some real doozies!  I've seen duvet sets sold for £5, cushions go for 2 for £10, and Buy 1 get 2 free on votives.  And I'm not talking about Primark, either!

Hope this is helpful, and hope you find some super sale stock.  Happy shopping!