We are now welcomed into the season of sun and fun! Days off from the regular day in and day out are always an essential reprieve. This is also the time retailers move their inventory with sales and promotions. Sales AND promotions you say? Yes, two very distinct processes that serve a specific purpose. Here’s what you need to know:

“Sales” are an opportunity for retailers to move residual product when a season comes to an end. We are currently in the “summer sale” period.

•  Choice by size and specific color are now limited.
• If a retailer has an abundant assortment of an item that means it was a poor seller at regular price and now must go to make room for a new assortment of items.
• Items to sell out will have ” hard mark” ticket.  Hard mark means price tickets have a lower price stamped over the original price.
• The sale price will be reduced  at some point if the residual is not moving fast enough. If you find your size in something you like but think you could get a better price in a week or two you run the risk of not finding the same piece again. Keep in mind, when price tickets have been “hard marked” and you find something you love you should think about buying it.

Promotions are temporary price reductions of the current regular price.

• Promotions will run for a specific time period. “Target” runs promotions weekly beginning on Sunday ending Saturday.
• An item on promotion must be in stock at the time the ad runs.
• Retailers will stock items considered “basic” items which are regularly put on promotion to draw customers into their stores.
• Nordstrom will run bi-annual promotional sales. The Women’s and Children’s Half yearly sale and the Anniversary Sale. Both sales will have product ticketed with a ‘temporary’ price lower than the regular price. This is a great time to get new items at the beginning of a season at a lower price than in season selling.

The goal of understanding both processes is to know what you can get for your money. Sales with “hard mark” prices are items that are the deal you have been waiting for. Promotions can create an incentive to buy early with the maximum choice by size and color. Both events create chances to develop your style as it is or take your style into a new direction without sacrificing too much.  Always give yourself specific time to shop sales. Go early or late. Go with a focus and you will spend less time and effort. And if you find something you absolutely love – buy it. Those treats are the little miracles that make shopping fun!