Promotional image for discounts at Gilly Hicks (image source) |
Typically, there is an obviously stated and promoted "clearance" of winter merchandise. But this year, all winter clothing is still tagged with the original full price. The kick is that all this merchandise has sale sign hanging over them. So instead of promoting a clearance, there is a "sale." That way, it makes it seem as if you are not really purchasing left-overs, but merely appreciating sales on full priced items. Well no, it is a clearance in disguise. To be fair, the brands promote it as discounts on "redlines," bu there is no telling what is what. Online, the clearance collection is full of merchandise that is also displayed in the full price categories (but labeled with the discount). So don't even think of just getting off main collections and heading over to the clearance section expecting to find cheaper looks because you'll basically find many of the same items. The women's section, however, does carry a whole lot more discounts than the men's and many stores do have even lower discounts on select womens merchandise.
But whatever, right! There are so many great styles with amazing discounts that it would be completely stupid not to take advantage of. All flanels and plaid shirts are 50% off, for instance! And that is wonderful because the lumberjack look is in for A&F brands, and it is more than likely to pop up again next winter - stock up now! The absolute best investment is to purchase outerwear. Sure, the weather is going to begin to warm out of "jacket conditions" and into "hoodie tempterature" soon. But all outerwear is 50% off! Purchase that coat you have been eyeing all season, but were unable to buy it because of the steep price, and you'll have saved cash and snagged a stylish coat to debut this coming winter 2011! Another key bargin to take into consideration is the sales on tees. Why? Because they can be worn any time of the year regardless of season!
This might be a bubble burst for some of you, but the sales only apply to American stores. Sorry. The stores overseas are rolling in profit (like always), and so it would be stupid for the Company to offer sales there. Even so, a few select American locations are excluded from the sales (flagships in New York City, for instance). So go online to which ever A&F brand you want and see the restrictions on the homepage.