I realize that many of you reading may not be a fan of discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and the Nordstrom Rack. When you walk into stores like this does your head spin?
It is easy to become overwhelmed. Many clients I work with do not know where to start. I want women to get the most clothes for their money so I highly recommend learning how to shop here. It just takes a little practice and persistence. Check back frequently; you may not always hit it right. I remember years ago being frustrated at shopping The Rack. I just never found a thing. One year I was looking for a Christmas gift for a friend. She really needed clothes and I wanted to stretch my dollars. I found a couple of things, but it took forever. Oh, have I come a long way since then!
Shopping a discount store is much like learning to shop clearance sales. Be careful or you will end up with things that you don’t wear and really were not such a good deal after all.
I have my best luck at the Nordstrom Rack. In fact, there really isn’t a time I go in now and don’t find something. Unfortunately my budget does not allow me to purchase all things I find! I have also had great finds from TJ Maxx over the years but admittedly for some reason am out of the habit of going there. My hair stylist finds great handbags at TJ Maxx. I have not shopped Ross in some time but in addition to clothing, I have found decorative items for my home. Marshalls is more convenient than it was previously; I’ve been a fan for years. My greatest LBD of all time came from there. My sister called describing a dress she found at Marshalls in another state. I went to my store and there was the dress in my size for 29.99. You just gotta love that!
Here are a few tips that have helped me:
1. Know your brands for fit. Scan the various departments at Nordstrom looking for things you like. Take note of brand/section. The Rack’s rounders are often divided by department or brand name.
2. Check out the front of the store displays first. You will often find the most recent arrivals. You can also get on a list from The Rack to learn when new shipments are coming.
3. Get a cart and fill it up. Take 2 different sizes if you are unsure of fit. Try on jackets, sweaters in front of a mirror in the middle of the store if you don’t feel too conspicuous. This way you’ll have less to take into the dressing rooms.
4. Bring a friend or your stylist! (I honestly believe in years to come more people will have personal stylists to give advice) Here is why another person helps. Typically you can only take 10 items into a dressing room. If your cart is full and you have to leave it outside the dressing rooms, be sure and ask for a sign so someone else does not take it. Once you have tried on 10 things, you need another person to return the 10 and grab another 10 to take into the room. You are not going to get dressing room attention like stores and boutiques. There is no one running to grab you another size. That’s why it’s a discount store.
5. If you don’t feel like dealing with trying on clothes, be sure and check out ALL DEPARTMENTS. You will save big on handbags, jewelry and other accessories, lingerie, hosiery. If my feet were not such a problem, I would also be saving a bundle on SHOES!!
6. Know your return policies. Most are 30 days for full credit, but read your receipt carefully and keep a special envelope in your handbag for receipts if you shop frequently.
Soon you too can become an expert discount store shopper. Make it fun and I guarantee you will be bragging to your friends and family about how much you’ve saved. One of my best stories: I helped a client find $1400 worth of clothes for $475. In this day and age we need our dollars to go further. Check out the discount stores and let me know how you do.
