Shop ’til you drop
Be the coolest customer in the sales with Latest Interiors’ guide to shopping smart during January
Like Christmas, the January sales seem to get earlier each year. Looking for a bargain? Don’t risk life and limb in those check-out queues without reading our guide to stress-free sale shopping. You won’t regret it (unlike some of those purchases, perhaps…).
Rume’s winter sale starts on 5 January with 15% off its beautiful made to order English furniture and 10% off designer lighting.
Rume, 54 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JD tel: 01273 777 810. fax: 01273 777 267. info@rume.co.uk www.rume.co.uk
Stop. Look. Listen.
First things first: this year, if you buy anything in the sales at all, buy quality. Don’t even think about wasting money or carbon buying tat you don’t need. The green theme continues into 2008 and beyond, and the coming year will see us buying more sustainably, locally, and making do when we can. Investing in long-lasting classic home wares may mean spending a little more, but believe us, it will be worth it. And with our less-is-more mantra in mind, make a plan: What do you really need? What could do with replacing this year? And what is your budget? Once out on the high street, keep to the plan and don’t be waylaid by half-price tinsel or novelty cocktail glasses.
Towel bales, from £7.50 www.marksandspencer.com
What is a bargain?
A bargain, then, is only a bargain if it is something you really need. And if you’re after a lovely throw for your sofa (surely you won’t need the heating on so much if there’s an ethically-sourced cashmere throw to snuggle up in?), an oak-framed bed or a replacement dinner service, it really can be worth waiting for the sales. This year in particular, high street traffic has been slow and retailers are likely to try and make good their losses in the sales, offering cut prices on large or expensive items to get rid of old stock and get shoppers in through the door. January is always a good time to buy large pieces of furniture.
Crockery, from £3.50, www.marksandspencer.com
Modern classics
So what else should you buy? Well, many wonderful, essential items may be found dirt-cheap in the sales: plain table linen and good-quality tea towels, plain white or cream cotton towels and bedding, crystal glassware and fine china crockery amongst them. Opt for simple, classic colours and designs – money spent on a fancy end-of-line dinner service will be money wasted if you can’t find replacement pieces the following year. Keep it simple and you will be rewarded.
20% off lamps and accessories
IVY WHITE 45 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex. BN3 2BE Tel – 01273 203202
Household electricals, especially entertainment systems, are often a good buy at this time of year, as retailers offload excess Christmas stock.
Get online…
…because online stores have sales, too – and we love them. No stress, no hassle, less chance of an impulse buy and no sore feet. Websites often have bigger discounts too, so always check web outlets before you hit the high street.
Any mistakes?
If you’re overcome with sales fever and something untoward slips into your bag, don’t panic. If the offending item duplicates something you already have, decide which you prefer and donate the other to a charity shop. Do the same with purchases that (on reflection) you just don’t like or simply can’t be used anywhere in your home: At least that way, someone will benefit, and next year maybe you’ll think twice before buying any more spoon holders. Happy shopping!
