The "R" word is a double-edged sword.  One way it cuts, hurts retailers since even inventory control cannot  make up for the lack of customers in the stores and usually the hurt trickles down to laid-off employees and additional hardships placed upon those who were barely making ends meet before this crunch coping with rising interest rates on home mortgages with adjustable rates, and increasing inflation of energy needs, and staples such as food.

The other way it cuts is that retailers forced to make markdowns have some real bargains on the shelves.  What to do?  Of course, the first order of business is to see that you can keep a roof over your head, food, and be able to keep going to work.  But that doesn’t mean that you can forego any buying whatsoever because those of us with families still have to clothe our children, and see to their educational needs, and emotional well-being.  With that in mind, the mission of this blog is to see that you are able to get the best deal or the greatest savings, so that depreciated dollar can go further.

Markdown Mom has noticed that thrift stores have increased traffic, but even there you have to be a savvy shopper.  Prices at the thrift stores have gone up, especially books and antiques & collectibles, but you can usually get good bargains on about everything else.  Many items are bought in lots from familiar stores and usually priced at about half of the retail and most often, half of the stores’ markdown price.  As with any savvy shopping, be aware of the item’s retail price prior to its’ hitting the thrift stores.  Remember that much of this merchandise is past season;  so right now that means Fall-Winter merchandise including holiday.

Target instore is having some terrific sales with 30%-75% off especially in linens such as their top line, Fieldcrest, and some of it is the early Spring merchandise that came in right after the holidays.  But not all Target stores are created equal, the Super Target stores have more markdowns to select from since the smaller Target stores took their markdowns about 2 weeks ago because of space needs for the new merchandise. 

Plus, the jewelry sales slump has resulted in some real bargains of up to 75% off their better jewelry.

In electronics, you can even find some Wii programs and the occasional flat screen tv  at 30%-50% off. 

For all you Joy Mangano clients, you now can purchase her hangers at Target in an array of pastel colors. 

Wal*Mart has decreased their huge bins of DVD’s from 2/$11.00 to 2/$10.00.  Wal*Mart markdowns tend not be as deep since the original price is usually low end–so there’s not a lot of flexibility in discount pricing.  However, you can find apparel on circular racks with a flat price of $3 and $5.  Don’t pass those racks up since the material would cost you more than the completed garment. 

Oh, cooks and gourmets will be glad to hear that they are once again carrying those wonderful glass bottles with spouts for under $3 that are so handy for dispensing olive oil, vegetable oil, or making your own herb vinegars. 

KMart continues it’s clearance policy with an extra 60% off.  Usually there are several places in the store with clearance areas, it just takes times to locate them all, but well worth the effort!

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