It’s that time of year in New England, when unexpected snow squalls mix with days so sunny and warm they have you dreaming of the beach. And as winter disappears, savvy shoppers, such as a reader from Boxborough, are wondering: When is the best time to get winter boots and coats on sale? Though it would seem to be time for retailers to slash prices on remaining inventory, our reader has had no luck.
So, we talked to Mike Tesler, partner at Norwell-based consultancy Retail Concepts and marketing lecturer at Bentley University in Waltham. The answer, he said, depends on the shoppers’ priorities. The most fashion-forward consumers, for example, are unlikely to ever find anything on sale — they have to pay to stay ahead of the style curve.
Price-focused shoppers have two main options, Tesler said: the very beginning of the season and the very end.
For winter wear, the season can begin as early as late September; swimsuit season generally kicks off in March. To get the best deals — and the best selection — at these times of year, Tesler suggests trying stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. These retailers often buy inventory at deep discounts at the end of the previous season, then put it onto the sales floor at the beginning of the next season.
“Even though what she might be buying is last season’s stuff, she can buy in-season and get brands at fabulous prices,’’ Tesler said. “Everyone’s getting a good deal as long as you are OK with 2015’s pink instead of 2016’s.’’
End-of-season shopping can yield bargains but can be more hit-or-miss. It can be harder to find the right sizes and colors, and different retailers have different — and often changing — approaches to sales.
To maximize the chances of finding a deal, consumers should use the Internet and retailer mailing lists to keep on top of when each store or brand is offering the best discounts. Competitors tend to monitor each others’ sales and try to offer competing bargains, Tesler said. So as soon as you see one brand you like promote a sale, take a look at similar clothing lines to see if they, too, are offering any bargains.
Have a consumer question or complaint? Reach Sarah Shemkus at seshemkus@gmail.com.
