Approaching sale shopping in a smart way means that you’ll get the most out of your money, walk away with great clothes and avoid any post-purchase feelings of regret. Here are five tips to help you shop smart this Dubai Shopping Festival, which wraps up on February 1.
1. Do you really, really like it — not just the price?
Dh200 spent on some jeans that used to be Dh600 is still not a bargain if they’re destined to live their life at the bottom of your drawer, rather than on your bottom. Would you have considered saving up for it if it hadn’t been reduced? If you answer is no, then just walk away.
2. The matching-mixing test
Before purchasing that divine hot pink top that you just have to have, take a moment and think if it can be coordinated with at least three different items in your closet.
3. Prepare to play hide and seek
Think you can’t find that cute skirt in your size? Check the back of the rail, or even the floor, because it’s not unknown for some people to hide what they might want to come back for later. Also ask the sales staff to check if your size is available in any of their other outlets.
4. Dress for some serious shopping
Going in for the long haul? Then kit yourself out — wear sensible shoes and dress in layers that can be easy to get in and out of while trying on clothes. Take snacks and a bottle of water and, of course, leave the small kids at home.
5. Pick the best time for you
Shopping can be a fatiguing and stressful activity if you don’t shop at a time that works well for you. Shopping when the malls and stores are most busy (such as late night shopping and Friday mornings) can lead to shopping fatigue where you end up fractious and irritable — not a state in which smart shopping usually takes place.
— Nidhi Singh is an experienced Dubai-based Image Consultant & Personal Shopper who has been helping her clients achieve their desired image goals and styling needs. Visit www.style-infusion.com or call 050-4515871.
