Surviving a Warehouse Sale
Ahh, the sales. That one magical place for bargain hunters. What could be nicer than grabbing those much coveted items at 50-70% off? Only the most hardened, budget-driven shoppers know the true answer – a Warehouse Sale. Offering discounts of 80% or more off, Warehouse Sale shopping is a true art-form and not for the faint hearted. Nothing else quite inspires the competitive edge, and feelings of crushing disappointment and glorious happiness as discounted designer products. I went along and braved the Sydney fashion scene to share the best sale-survival tips and tricks.
Employ military-like strategy:
In the Army, there is a saying: “prior preparation prevents poor performance”. Check all available sources for vital intel such as address, accepted payment types, opening hours, and approximate number of attendees. If possible, try to discover the sizes range to be stocked at the sale. Social media, especially Facebook is the best place to find all of necessary event info. Plan your day’s shopping accordingly. Military teachings have never been more applicable to civilian life than in the war-zone of the Warehouse Sale.
Protect ground won:
Earlier this year, Australian brand Camilla opened its temporary Paddington doors to budget driven, bedazzled silk kaftan-loving shoppers. The wannabe-Housewives set descended en-mass, beginning to queue along Oxford Street as early as 2am. To brave these extreme conditions, this reporter recommends folding chairs at the very least. Alternatively, bring your pals and a tent, and take your early-morning experience in shifts. Feed on MREs or tinned beans, and wee in a close-by bush. Sacrifice your much-coveted spot for nothing.
Strike with precision:
In the crush of excited shoppers and the plethora of discounts, its easy to lose sight of your shopping goals. Prior to arriving, do your research, and establish what you want from the sale. Formalwear? Shoes? A coat? Zero in on your desired items, then browse the rest of the stock at leisure. Also, plan your spending. The environment may promote extreme shopping, but no one wants to end up as the cliché who spends all the rent money on shoes.
Suit up:
The Warehouse Sale is probably the only time in fashion where comfort trumps personal style. As such, leave the elaborate hair-do, full make-up, and handbag Chihuahua for another time. Warehouse sizes can often vary from the norm, so comfort and the ability to perform a respectable change in the (very) communal fitting rooms, or behind a well placed rack is vital. Steer clear of Lycra, buttons, and lacing – or any outfit that will take time to put on, and remove.
Completed missions require a debrief:
Once you’ve found your items, it’s time to brave the checkouts. Expect more queueing. Take a moment to check your items for damage, and prepare to pay. Keep in mind that there’s generally no returns on Warehouse Sales purchases, and you probably won’t receive a receipt. Ensure you’ve brought a large handbag to pop your purchases into, in-case there isn’t shopping bags available. Upon exiting, step into the daylight safe in the knowledge that your mission has been a success. Grab a Margarita at the nearest bar to celebrate, compare notes and refuel, before hitting the next target.
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