Shop ’til you drop

Latest Interiors shows you how to shop smart

It’s time for the January sales! Well, to be honest, many of the sales this year started back in December, as struggling high street stores battled for our cash and credit. But if you’ve held out until now – or have a pile of Xmas IOUs to fulfil – what’s the best way to grab a bargain? This week, Latest Interiors dons a hard hat, picks up our armoured handbag, and heads out for the sales.

Stop. Look. Listen
MoneySavingExpert.com chief Martin Lewis has a sales mantra to help people make sensible purchases: If you’re skint, ask yourself ‘Do I need it? Can I afford it?’, and if you aren’t, ask ‘will I use it? Is it worth it?’. If you can honestly answer yes to the questions before you’ve even hit the shops, do your homework, and make a list. Many of us splurge on things we simply won’t ever use at this time of year – surely it’s better to spend your hard-earned cash on a quality item that you’ll love and use? If you don’t need anything, and/or don’t have the cash, don’t shop.

Once out on the high street, keep to your list and try not to get waylaid by glittery window displays and all things shiny.

What is a bargain?
A bargain is when you find something you need and want going cheap. It is not settling for, say, neon orange towels because they’re 50% off (when you really wanted grey), or pink plastic garden furniture when you’ve already got green.

But if you’ve had your eye on a huge velvet sofa all year, then it is often worth waiting for the sales. Now in particular, retailers are really working hard to shift end-of-season stock, and make up for a very slow year.

Must-buys…
There are a number of things that it’s worth braving the sales for. High quality household staples at bargain prices are top of the list: Crisp linen teatowels, plain white towels and bedding, crystal glassware and simple, bone china dinnerware. Avoid novelty colours and end-of-line bargains – if a glass or plate from a set breaks and you can’t replace it, that’s it.

Household electricals and large furniture items are often a good buy, too – if you’ve delayed buying that plasma screen TV, X-box or bluray player, or can’t put off that new dining table any longer, then now is the time to buy.

Buy local
It is tempting to buy at online sales from the big stores to avoid the queues and pressure. But don’t neglect your local high street – Brighton and Hove are blessed with a wealth of one-off boutiques and stores, selling unique, stylish items. The sales are a chance to pick up something lovely, keep local business alive – and spread some
of that New Year cheer.