Through the years the hubby and I have become experts on taking advantage of after-Christmas sales. So much so, that I already know what stores start their discount pricing before Christmas (World Market, for example, so I'm fully stocked up on Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags for the following year!). It also helps that I worked in retail managment for 10+ years, so I'm aware of pricing strategies, trends, profit margins, etc. that retailers use to entice you to come into their stores (I always make a beeline for the clearance sections waaaaaay in the back of the store and do not allow myself to even look at the full priced items on my way in), price points to watch out for (usually a price ending in a 9 is a sale price, 8 is a further discounted price, and 7 is a final price).
I digress, anyhoo, when it comes to after Christmas sales - particularly seasonal items - stores start to discount prices the week before Christmas about 25-30% (sometimes 50% if you're lucky, see World Market, above). The day after Christmas discounts usually start at 50%, the week after Christmas it jumps to 75% (retailers really need the merchandising space for new goods in January), and if anything is left - up to 90% off at the end of January. Of course, if you really want something, you should grab it when it's on sale, because when it's gone, it's gone. (For example, Christmas lights go fast, and retailers don't have overstock nowadays like they used to.) If it isn't on the top of your list, then wait (ribbons, for example).
Now, one thing I'm an expert with is calculating a discount. Back in highschool I was a volunteer at the University of Chicago Hospital. After working in different departments, somehow or another I wound up becoming a volunteer at the hospital gift shop. It was there that I learned a cool trick about calculating a 75% discount that I will never forget - simply take the original price in half, then half again. Makes total sense, right? I have other quick math tips, but that's another story...
Last Sunday we took our son to the mall to get him a new pair of shoes. While we were there we decided to check out Sears to see if they had any Christmas lights left. Sure enough, there were slim pickings, but we managed to find some good deals. Part of the department had signage that said 75% off, while the other part said 50% off. I got clarification from a sales associate that the entire department is 75% off, and from there the hubby and I proceeded to pick through what was left to see what would look nice in our front yard for Christmas 2011. The boy entertained himself by talking to the various Lolas also shopping in the department, and by playing with gift boxes.
When we went to pay, I noticed the prices were only 50% off. I brought the discrepancy to the cashier's attention, and he explained that the system had not updated yet, so he would deduct another 25% at the end of the transaction. I explained to him that an additional 25% deduction would not result in a 75% discount, and gave him an example so he would understand. He looked at me like he didn't believe me, argued with me, and I calmly explained, again, what the items should cost at 75% off. He then asked me, "So how much of a discount do you want me to give you, 28%?" WTF??? I calmly replied, "No, whatever you need to do to make this item cost $9.99 - which as I explained would be 50% off." Now mind you, I was doing all this math in my head, and he looked at me like I was pulling numbers out of my ass. Without even saying "excuse me", or anything at all, he walked away from the register, talked to 2-3 other associates, grabbed a calculator, moved to another register, and didn't say a word to us or other customers. THANK GOODNESS our child was entertaining himself with music on my cellphone. The sales associate finally came back, didn't look at me, didn't apologize, got his manager to punch some code in the register for the price override, and just started ringing us up, again. When the receipt popped out, I asked him, "Are we all good now?" To which he just said, "Yeah" and handed me the receipt - $49.62 (that's like $200 worth of Christmas lights, full price - whoo hooo!!!!!).
Now, normally I would have complained about this guy's attitiude, but since it was Sears, it wasn't worth my time (especially since my child had just dropped a deuce). While the hubby went ahead to get the car for us, I looked back at the registers and noticed that a massive line had formed - apparently the people that were rung up before us overheard me explaining the discount thing with the sales associate, realized that they were charged the wrong prices, and were in line to get price adjustments. They didn't look too happy about it. Hehehe, sucked to be THAT guy...
Whatevas - we got a good deal and are excited for Christmas 2011!!!
Thank You
14 years ago