Top tips to spend less
1 Wait a while: Ignore the sales for the next week or so – wait until the madness has subsided and then make your move as the prices will have tumbled further. While this might work best if you are slightly oddly shaped, as most of the more uniform sizes are snapped up in the first rush, the patient hunter can still uncover gems even mid January.
2 Sales signs: Ignore the signs which go along the lines of “no money refunded”, “only credit notes given” or “sale goods not exchanged” – they are meaningless and often illegal. When you buy something, whether you pay full or half price, it must be of an acceptable standard, fit for its purpose and as advertised. If not, you’re entitled to get the product repaired, replaced or to get a refund.
3 What you need: Only buy things which you’re likely to wear. The pink and gold leggings with a diamante trim and a 40-inch waist might be 90 per cent off but, if you’re never going to wear them, then you’re wasting your money no matter how fat the discount.
4 Online sales: Don’t tie yourself to the high street sales. The online retailers have to get rid of last season’s stock and even bigger discounts can be found on sites such as net-a-porter throughout January.
5 Make do: Ignore them entirely. You don’t need the stuff or at least you’ll be able to manage without it.
