I shop at the end of the season for the next year

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Kids Clothes: Shopping Strategies

Readers share their tips for shopping popular national retailers

Site Directory >> Your Money >> Money Saving Ideas >> Clothing

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1000 Best Baby Bargains *Includes shopping strategies and insider information on how to get the best deals at Gymboree, Old Navy, Children's Place, Target, and many more stores!

I have found that sometimes "saving money" means spending money on the right things. For instance, I purchase good jeans and pants for my 12 year old and don't concentrate too much on the price. Since she wears these more often and is generally harder on them, it pays to get good quality so they'll last longer...sometimes even on to the next child! But, when it comes to T shirts and tops, I pick a dollar amount and see how many tops we can get for that amount. This is almost a game that my daughter and I play to see who can come up with the most! Also, watch for faddish types with fancy designs on the front. They usually cost much more than plain colored shirts and they can be worn with more clothes usually. And, always check the clearance racks before you leave the store. Many times you'll find something that has just gotten dirty and can easily be washed or repaired at a fraction of the cost! -- Kelly, 35, from IN

I shop at the end of the season for the next year. I stock up on shirts, pants, shorts in bigger sizes for the next year. I get lots of great bargains this way. -- Kim, 28, from MN

I subscribe to the newsletters of the clothing stores I like. They inform me of the sales (including clearance sales and 50% off) and often include offers of free shipping. Since I have three kids I buy on clearance and take advantage of the free shipping offers so I don't have to go to crowded stores. -- Hilda, 34, from NY

Also never underestimate eBay.com. I buy brand name clothes for excellent prices. Just last week I bought 2 lots of designer clothes (54 pieces) for $23 plus shipping. -- Vicki, 36, from NY

OLD NAVY

I always buy out of season, now that its back-to-school season all summer stuff is on clearance so I am been buying all my sons clothes for next summer right now. Old Navy has the best clearance racks I have come across but all the department stores have pretty good end of season clearance sales. This way I get really good quality clothes for a fraction of the price. -- Kari, 26, from AZ

I find a lot of clothes for 3.99 on clearance at Old Navy at the end of the season. By the time the next year comes up I already have enough shirts to get me through the season. I already have stocked up enough short sleeved shirts for next summer for my son. Lots of stores will have their clearance stuff marked down with additional markdowns. What a way to save. -- Kim, 28, from MN

GAP

Well, I know that Gap final markdowns always end in 7. So if it marked 4.99 you know it will go down at least one more time. If it is 3.97 you know that is rock bottom and you better grab it. -- Leslie, 33, from GA

At Gap when you see an item marked with .97 at the end (ex:$4.97) that is the lowest the item will go. if it is 6.99 it will be marked down again, so wait to buy it. -- Traci, 40, from CA

My favorite place to shop for kids and adult clothing is Gap. This store moves clothes out often and really goes low on price. My strategy is to shop there each week after markdowns (my store marks down on Wednesdays). I buy only those items that have been marked down at least twice and preferably end in $.97. Those items are usually the lowest the store will go. If I do buy something that ends in $.99, I go back exactly two weeks later and ask for a price adjustment. It takes the clerk a second to check the computer for the new price and if it's gone down you get the difference back!! If there is an item I really like that's only been marked down once and there may only be one of my size left, I'll buy it and come back in two weeks for the adjustment also. -- Veronica, 33, from FL

All Gap stores have their markdowns effective on Wednesdays. Sometimes they change it up, but its rare. They also try to get people to buy more promotional goods instead of marking down (Right now all basic jeans are $19.50, and backpacks are 25% off until late August). So if you see there are not any markdowns, check out the promos. I work @ GAPKIDS/babyGAP. -- Rachel, 26, from IL

I have found that, especially with The Gap, their clearance aisle has far better prices than the outlet store without compromising quality. -- Vicki, 36, from NY

Gap in store sales get marked down on Tuesdays. So if I am out shopping I try to stop in. I definitely shop the rounders but also look on the back of displays which often include marked down items. My best deal on line was at the Gap. I purchased shorts for my daughter for $.14 (this isn't a typo- I thought it was as well- the shorts were 14 cents each). I found out later that it was a computer typo on Gap's screen because when I went into the store the shorts were $14.00. I purchased 30 pairs of the shorts to give as presents and for friends children. -- Lisa, 36, from CT

Speaking of Gap kids, did you know that if you see something in the store on sale but not in the size you would like, have the Manager check other stores in your area or the web for you as they can do that from their phone. Then to avoid the $5 shipping, charge you merely need to order 1 item at regular price....like a 1 pair of socks. This fact also applied to purchasing items from another store via the Manager's phone....The greatest thing is that it is mailed right to you door within 3 days I would say. Note: you do have to pay upfront but hey think of all the leg time it saves you. -- Cheryl, 39, from CA

GYMBOREE

For Gymboree, you have to be willing to shop from the back of the store and avoid all the adorable lines up front :) Wait until they issue Gymbucks and you can save 25%. Shop the clearance racks and use the additional 25% off from the Gymbucks and you are getting great quality clothes for Wamart prices. -- Leslie, 33, from GA

I used to work at Gymboree and must say they have the best return policy I have ever seen! They take everything back no questions asked... Well they ask questions, but they will always take them back. My tip though is to get on their mailing list!!!! They have early bird sales where everything in the store is 70% off. These sales usually take place on a Saturday or Sunday morning before the mall opens usually around 7 am. The only way to get in is by private invitation and the only way to get an invitation is to be on the stores mailing list. -- Suzanne, 32, from VA

At Gymboree I try to always shop the rounders and purchase during Gymbucks specials. -- Lisa, 36, from CT

I don't shop there all the time b/c my kids are young enough that consignment still works, but at Gymboree I have noticed they introduce a line , 2-3 weeks later it is 25% off and 3-6 weeks after that it is 40% off, then bam!! a new line is appearing. Just an observation, not really a Gymboree junkie. Just like the movies, give it a short, very short time, and it is a lot cheaper!! -- Kerri, 29, from GA

CHILDREN'S PLACE

The Children's Place does deep mark downs so go in on occasion. I have purchased a sweater for 99 cents, flare pants for $2.99 and cardigans $1.99 and chinos for $2.99. Happy shopping -- Lisa, 36, from CT

I have found some great deals at The Children's Place Outlet stores. I realize that not everyone lives near an outlet mall, however, I have shopped at some outlet malls while on vacation. We just returned home from Gulf Shores, AL and I found some awesome deals at The Children's Place. I bought a zip up sweatshirt for my daughter for 69 cents, 3 pairs of flared leggings for $1.39 each, and a white t-shirt for $1.99. Last year at a different outlet mall I bought my several shirts and shorts and I didn't pay more than $2 for anything. The whole store isn't priced that way, but there are several racks that are worth looking at. It's not always the current line that is in the regular stores, but kids always need the basics. I make it a point to visit The Children's Place Outlet store whenever I see one. -- Sara, 31, from MO

SEARS

About 6 weeks ago, I went to Sears to shop. When I started to check-out, my purchase was discounted. In talking with the clerk, I found out that their sales for the next day are active in the computer at 5 PM. This was the
Friday night before their Super Saturday Sale. I don't know if this is true for all their sales, but it is for the sales starting on Saturday. -- Linda Johnson, Arlington, TX

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