1. Watch for seasonal sales. Every Spring about January 20th-February 14th stores will have sidewalk and clearance sales on winter clothes. You can save about 50% or more on the top brands. If you can get an additional 10%-15% by opening a store card you really can boost your savings. I'm not encouraging you to increase your debt for a deal but to take every advantage to save more money on something you may have to buy anyway.
2. Watch for stores going out of business or moving. Our Mall is losing stores left and right. One of the first signs that a store is going to go out of business or close is an unadvertised sale not at all locations. Dillard's in Moline, IL had put up paper 30% off sale signs all over the store on any items except makeup and perfume. The makeup and perfume were empty like it was being packed up. I didn't buy anything that day but instead kept close eye out for future markdowns. Today, 3 weeks later they have the entire store 65% off and no returns or exchanges. Top brands are dirt cheap. It's sad they are going out of business at this location but I will take advantage of the savings to get nice shoes for myself and kids. $45.00 dress shoes marked down to $18.50 is definitely a nice sale.
3. Shop out of season and shop often to stock up on styles you can wear as the season gets there. If you see winter boots in July and they are $15.00 regular $45.00 get them and put them away. That way come winter you already have boots and saved over 50%. Same goes in November, you see a string bikini for next summer on sale, get it! Learn to save money anyway you can.
