ONCE Christmas has hit, then it’s all about the Boxing Day sales – but how do you find the best bargains?
We’ve spoken to self-confessed bargain hunting expert and personal stylist Sharon Young on how to bag a great deal.
London School of Fashion graduate Sharon, 49, is a personal stylist and fashion blogger who has her own business, StyledbyBlue.
Sharon always offered fashion advice to friends and family before starting her own business.
“I am passionate about helping women feel confident through the clothing we choose,” Sharon told The Sun.
“After all, looking great means feeling great and feeling great gives us the empowerment we need to go out into the world and be the best version of ourselves.”
Be prepared
Sharon points out the most common mistake shoppers make when it comes to the Boxing Day sales is that they are not prepared.
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Every year, the sales start earlier – and many retailers now launch bargains online while we’re all still unwrapping presents on December 25.
She said: “My clients always ask me how they can grab the best bargains in the sales and I always say you have to do your research beforehand.
“This means shop around for the best prices so that you know the retailers who stock your item and get a benchmark of the best price before the sale starts.”
Sharon likes to use websites like Google Shopping or Lyst, who will search thousands of online sites.
She adds: “Another good comparison site is Lovethesales who compare the sales from hundreds of fashion retailers, such as ASOS, Ted Baker, Ralph Lauren and Very in one place.
“You can select the brands that you like beforehand so you get alerts when your favourite brands or items go in the sale.”
Work out what you want to buy before Christmas
It may sound like a lot of hard work, but Sharon says it is definitely worth it.
She said: “If shopping in store then also go try on things before the sales and make a list of things you like.
“Whether shopping for myself or clients I always take photos on my phone of the things I like in store; make sure you include a photo of the label with the barcode and price so you can search for the item online too as often there are different prices in store and online.”
Sharon also makes “wish lists” or “favourites” on sites before Christmas, so she can check if they go in the sale on Boxing Day.
She also follows brands or shops she likes on social media, to be first in the know about sales.
Set a budget
That feeling of getting a bargain is great – but is it really a bargain if you didn’t need it or want it in the first place, Sharon warns.
She adds: “Set a budget and stick to it! Do NOT be swayed by discounted items.
“Ask yourself would I buy that full price? Only buy things that have a place in your wardrobe.”
Also, don’t forget to check refund policies.
Some retailers do extend them over the Christmas period – but it’s important to check when they run out incase you want to return anything.
High street vs online?
While shopping online is great because you don’t have to leave your sofa, not all the discounts are online.
She said: “Since Covid, many shops have been offering discounts in-store to try and encourage us back to the shops, so it is worth asking.
“It also works the other way round, so always check both for the best price.
“For example H&M will honour an online discount in-store if you show them the item on your phone.”
What about the long lines of sales queues we are used to witnessing? Is it really worth standing in line?
“Again this is a question I am asked often.
"I think Next is definitely worth it but you do need to be prepared to queue (and sometimes from the early hours of the morning on Boxing Day) to find some great bargains.
“And again Zara as if you miss out on the online bargains there is often more stock in stores.”
What to buy
When it comes to her own bargains, Sharon is obviously a pro at sale shopping.
She points to Zara as being one of her favourite high street stores but advises to move quickly.
“Zara’s sale will open first to online customers before in-store so make sure you are ready!
“And be sure to check out Warehouse online where I buy amazing discounted pieces since the shop shut.”
Buying out of season in the sales is another thing Sharon swears by.
Last year, she bought summer skirts from Zara reduced from £49.99 to £9.99 and a Mango wool longline blazer which she got 20 per cent off.
She says to look out for coats, blazer and jackets as well as “wardrobe staples”, such as classic white shirts, denim and good black leather boots.
Next has already announced its hotly awaited Boxing Day fashion offers.
But not every high street store will be taking part in Boxing Day sales, with many closed on December 26.
Here's our round-up of all the best sales offers announced so far.
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