The world of shopping can be a daunting one. With so many different brands, retailers, and price points, it’s no wonder that most people quickly lose interest in the prospect of buying their wardrobe-essentials. Fortunately, as an entry-level shopper, you don’t have to know your trowsers from your trousers to be able to acquire the basic shopping skills you need. To get you started, check out this guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of your first few trips to the mall or shop. From what types of clothing stores there are to how to spot a good deal, read on for all you need to know about your first excursions into retail therapy.
What types of stores are there?
There are several different types of retail stores available to consumers, each with its unique selling points and customer demographics. – Department stores: – Large chains that sell a variety of clothing and accessories for both men and women. – Specialty stores: – Stores that focus on a specific niche — be it designer clothing, home decor, or shoes. – Discount stores: – Discount stores sell a wide range of quality name-brand products at a discounted price.
How to spot a good deal
A good deal meets your needs at a reasonable price. – Know your needs: Before you use a shopping trip to pick up some new clothes, make a list of all your wardrobe’s needs. Add the types of outfits you need to wear, depending on the occasion, and what activities you plan on doing while wearing them. – Look for sales: Keep an eye out for sales at different departments and brands. When you spot one, use it as an opportunity to pick up some new items at a discounted price. – Shop around: Don’t just shop at one store’s sale. Instead, pick up the phone and call different department stores so that you can compare their sales and prices.
Know the different clothing categories
There are dozens of types of clothing that fall under the term “clothing.” Before you embark on a shopping expedition, be sure to familiarize yourself with the main categories of clothing. – Outerwear: Jackets, coats, and parkas are all examples of outerwear, which are commonly worn during the winter months. – Tops: Tops are typically worn with bras or tank tops underneath and are worn during the spring and summer. – Bottoms: Bottoms are typically worn with skirts, pants, or leggings and are worn during the fall and winter. – Accessories: Accessories are items that are worn on top of clothes (think shoes and jewelry) but aren’t worn underneath. They’re typically worn during the spring, summer, and winter seasons.
The art of negotiating
Mastering the art of negotiating can make all the difference when it comes to getting the best possible deal when shopping. – Know your costs: Before you head off to the mall, take a look at all the prices in the store and see how much each item costs. – Know your bargaining skills: Before you head to the bargaining table, make sure you know your average and lowest prices for each item you want to purchase. – Don’t be afraid to walk away: As you’re haggling with the sales clerk, don’t be afraid to walk away. Shoppers get into the mindset of wanting to buy an item for a certain price, but if the sales clerk keeps trying to push that price up, you may be better off walking out of the store without buying anything.
Shopping for women’s clothing
If you’re shopping for women’s clothing, you have a few main shopping categories to consider. – Denim: If it’s a warm day, you’re probably going to want to pair a pair of jeans with a top or a jacket. A pair of dark-wash, blue-jeans is a classic piece that will never go out of style. Feel free to experiment with different wash/wash combinations and pair them with different colors and patterns. – Sweaters: Throw on a soft, oversized sweater that can be worn with a variety of different tops and bottoms. – Dresses: Dresses are typically worn to work, on special occasions, and for a night on the town.
Shopping for men’s clothing
If you’re shopping for men’s clothes, keep in mind the main categories of clothing that you’ll be looking for. – Denim: Look for dark-wash, high-quality denim that’s been designed to last. – Khakis: Khakis are typically a blend of cotton and polyester, denim-like fabric that’s worn for everyday activities. – Sweaters: Try to find men’s sweaters that are made from quality materials — like cashmere or merino wool — as these are typically worn for a variety of occasions, from casual outings with friends to dress up for a night out on the town. – Shirts: A button-up shirt is a staple that can be worn to work, with khakis, or with a pair of jeans.
Wrapping up
As a new shopper, it’s important to remember that shopping is just like any other skill. You’ll get better with practice, and the more you shop, the better you’ll get at detecting quality products at reasonable prices. So shop your heart out, and good luck on your new shopping journey!