Money Saving Tips When Shopping at Major Department Stores

Department stores are a great way to get all of your shopping done in one place. You can find everything from jewelry to bed linens, and silverware to rugs. However, if you’re not careful, one trip to this type of store can add up quickly at the register. Here are some tips to help you find the best deals and save the most money when you are shopping in your favorite store.

1.      Watch for sales events: Many department stores offer terrific sales at least once a month. These sales are highlighted in newspaper insert ads and television commercials. Some of these sales can be terrific deals; however, there may only be limited quantities of the sales items available.

2.      Use rain checks: Rain checks can be a great way to pick up an item that is offered at a terrific price, but is out of stock. You simply contact customer service and request a rain check. The customer service agent will give you a piece of paper that allows you to buy the item at the price that it originally sold out at.

3.      Subscribe to the store’s newsletter: Many stores will offer coupons through their newsletters. You’ll sometimes find coupons that will give you a percentage off of the total amount you spend. If you are shopping for some of the larger ticket items, this can save you a lot of money at the checkout. You’ll also find out about special sales that may not be advertised on TV or in print.

4.      Go to the back of the department: Many times sale items are towards the back of a department or at the back of the store all together. You can find great deals when you hit the clearance racks or seasonal specials. Look for summer items with a generic style that can be used the next year.

5.      Shop during the week: Many people think the best time of the week to shop for sales is on the weekend. This is not always the case. Many stores offer great sales on the weekends; however, they usually need to move some merchandise beforehand. Many stores will offer special sales during the week, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday, in order to make room for new items to be displayed during the weekend sales.

6.      Use a rewards card: Many stores will offer a rewards card for frequent shoppers. These can be in the form of a credit card or special discount card to be used at the register. You’ll find cash back options on some major department store credit cards, along with one time savings specials.

7.      Look for coupons: You’ll find many online coupon sites that offer terrific deals for many of the major department stores. Some of these coupons can be used for a single item purchase, or for a percentage off of your final total. Other coupons are available for free or reduced shipping when you shop online.

You can find many other ways to save money when you are shopping at department stores; this is only a partial listing. But if you do your research, you may be surprised at just how much money you can save.