What’s the problem with sales?

We’ve all been there. We see that big red sales sign and head straight towards it, full of hope and optimism.

It’s no longer just January sales which lure us in to spend. These days, they crop up everywhere, all year round. Black Friday, Boxing Day, spring sales, summer sales, autumn sales, winter sales… and off we go again.  

So, what’s the problem with sales? Everybody loves a bargain, right? 

The problem with sales

The problem with sales is that we think we’re getting a bargain. There’s something about that `50% off’ sticker which gives us a massive dopamine hit. 

And yes, it’s certainly true that you’re getting 50% off the price. However, it’s worth asking yourself this: 

Would you buy that same item if it were full price? I’d bet my wig that nine times out of ten, the answer is no. 

The bargain myth

During the sales, shops are brilliant at tempting us in to buy things we don’t actually need. They put us into a FOMO mindset. We worry about missing out.  

Sometimes, you may not even like a particular sales item. Despite this, you might still buy it. It’s an impulse, based on fear of missing out on a fantastic bargain. 

Will it see you through to the following January? Probably not. The trouble is, sales racks are packed full of cheap and cheerful, latest-trend clothes which are bought at a `bargain price’, then worn just once. 

If you worked out the cost per wear, is it actually a bargain price? 

So, now that we’ve got the problem out of the way, here are a few solutions. 

Shop the sales with a list 

Have you ever been to the supermarket for a pint of milk — then come away with two jumpers, three pairs of slippers and a hoodie? 

I certainly have. That’s why one of the best tips I can give you is this one: 

Before you head out to the sales, make a list. Once you’re clear about what you need, you’ll shop with intention, rather than on impulse. 

Let’s say you’ve just had a wardrobe makeover and realised you need some tops to go with all those trousers. OK, which kind of tops are you looking for? 

Get some inspiration 

Try searching on Pinterest for some ideas. Which styles of top will elevate your wardrobe by creating new outfits from what you already have? Where are your missing links? 

When you’re clear about what’s needed, you can be precise about which item to put on the list. 

It’s about a change of mindset. Instead of buying ALL the shiny stuff on a whim, you’re saying to yourself: `What exactly am I looking for?’

Use the filter

Making a list is all very well if you’re heading to the high street. What if you’re buying in the sales online? 

This is where the search filter becomes your best friend. Type your chosen item into the search bar, then be as accurate as possible with the filter — the style, its size, colour, and everything else you need from it. 

Online shops are just as guilty as high street shops when it comes to bombarding us with `bargains’. By using the filter, you won’t be tempted to buy absolutely everything on offer. 

Shop mindfully

You know that week between Christmas and New Year, when we’re not sure what day it is? During Twixmas, it’s massively tempting to head out mindlessly to the high street in search of a bargain. 

It’s because we’re a bit bored. Back in the day, I was one of those people. In fact, as soon as Boxing Day dawned, I’d be queueing up with hundreds of others waiting for the shops to open.  

Try and resist the temptation. If you do head out, be mindful of what you’re buying. Is it going to be a positive addition to your wardrobe? Will it go with multiple other items which you already own? 

Buying mindfully saves you from a wardrobe of mismatched clothes which don’t actually work together as outfits. 

Does it fit? 

New Year’s resolutions. Yep, you probably know what I’m about to say. 

Please don’t buy things which don’t fit. 

It’s fine to make resolutions about doing more exercise or going on a diet. But… When you go out to the sales, forget about that New Year’s resolution for now. 

If you make purchases thinking `This will fit when I lose weight’, it’s not going to work in your favour. You’ll just go from one January to the next, still the same weight, beating yourself up about it. 

Why buy clothes which are a bit too snug, and which make you feel uncomfortable? 

Instead, dress in your values. Wear the things you love, clothes which make you feel good about yourself. 

Well, that’s the sales problem sorted! If you’d like some help dressing in ways which make you feel great about yourself, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with me (I’m Sophia) by clicking the word… here.