ShopSmart's Six Steps to Score Big Savings on Clothes

Tricks and tips that can help shoppers save even more at their favorite stores

YONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's easier than ever to score deals on clothing and accessories -- sales and coupons are everywhere and there's always bargains online. But shoppers can do even better if they know how to work all the angles.

The October 2012 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from Consumer Reports, provides the ultimate guide to scoring deals on clothing and accessories and features six must-do steps to saving, tips for saving even more at go-to retailers, information on what's new on the racks this fall and nine great bargain clothing sites.

"This issue of ShopSmart will help you make sure you're working all of the angles to save on clothes," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart.  "Even if you think you know all the tricks, you need to read this just to make sure you're not missing out on any discounts!"

Six Must-Do Steps for Saving

Here are six things shoppers should do to make sure they are saving at checkout:

1. SIGN UP FOR SALES ALERTS. Most retailers have regular e-mail alerts that let shoppers know about sales (in-store and online), discount codes, contests and more.

2. GRAB COUPONS. Never check out (virtually or in person) without searching for a coupon or a promo code to get a discount or free shipping. RetailMeNot.com is a good first stop.  

3. SCOUR ONLINE CLEARANCE RACKS.  Many retailers offer deeply discounted items in sale sections on their websites, which can be a lot easier to go through than store racks.

4. TRY EBAY. If you're seeing a specific item (used or new)—say a little black dress from your favorite designer in size 10—you might find it on eBay for a steal.

5. BE LOYAL. If stores you shop have a free loyalty card, sign up to save. A good one -- The Shop Your Way Rewards card which nets shoppers savings at Kmart, Lands' End, and Sears.

6. BE A FOLLOWER. Shoppers can connect with favorite retailers and brands on Twitter and Facebook to get the scoop on the latest sales, plus tip-offs to upcoming special promotions.

Insider Tips for Your Favorite Stores
ShopSmart has compiled saving strategies to help shoppers save even more at their favorite stores.  Here's a sample of what's inside the October 2012 issue:

• TARGET is a great place to shop for lingerie as their selection of underthings, ranges from sexy to sporty. Recently, the store partnered with designer Josie Natori to create a line of loungewear and intimates with her East Meets West sensibility. They also carry Gilligan & O'Malley's bras, which start around $10, and have done well in ShopSmart's tests.

How to Save: Check DailyDeals.Target.com for one great discounted item every day with free shipping and follow @TargetDeals on Twitter.

• JCPENNEY is a good source for trendy, low-budget tops and dresses -- and designers are putting a fab twist on everyday basics for the low-priced retailer. New nicole by Nicole Miller pieces include easy-to-wear silhouettes in inspired prints.

How to Save: The store's Fair and Square pricing puts seasonal items on sale each month for the entire month (think bathing suits in July) and marks down clearance items to the lowest possible price – on the first and third Friday of each month.

• OLD NAVY offers an ultra-affordable workout wear line with lots of styles and colors called Active by Old Navy.  The GoDRY tanks and T-shirts ($14.94 to $16.94) wick away moisture, and the compression shorts help hold everything in (they were on sale for $10.97 when ShopSmart checked).

How to Save: Shipping is always free for orders of $50 or more, and you can combine Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Piperlime and Athleta orders.

The Best Sites You're Not Shopping Yet
So many great places to shop, so little money! But with these sites, shoppers can buy a lot more for a lot less:

• Amazon (amazon.com/fashion) offers a huge selection on clothing items and carries duds from brands like Alice + Olivia and Tracy Reese. Shoppers can browse themed shops to find their favorite outfit.
• DesignerApparel (designerapparel.com) is a great site for finding sales on high-end designer clothing. Shoppers can use this site to see where clothes by their favorite designers, from Alaia to Yves Saint Laurent, are marked down online.
• Refashioner (refashioner.com) is best for scoring vintage items.  This eco-friendly fashion community is a gold mine of secondhand garments.
• Linda's Stuff (stores.ebay.com/Lindas-Stuff) is an eBay consignment store filled with lots of gently used gems and fab items from fashion-forward ladies around the world looking to make a return on their stylish investments.

About Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon the publication's celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. ShopSmart features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and "best of the best" lists. It's ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.  

ShopSmart is available 10 times a year. Subscribe at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

SOURCE ShopSmart