The Clearance Section Hoax
This post was inspired by an email I received on my lunch hour from ModCloth.
70% select styles! Shop NOW
Don’t mind if I do, ModCloth. With a quick click, I was looking at pages and pages full of items that I could now afford. I came across a sequin skirt that I had to have. It was filled with light blues, whites, and ivorys I thought it was the perfect length and perfect transition piece from winter to spring. I added it to my virtual shopping bag and continued to peruse the sales. At the credit card entry prior to checking out, I glanced at my cart and thought long and hard about that studded gem of a skirt.
What am I really going to wear with this? I have nothing. And not like the ‘I have nothing to wear today’, nothing, but truly, nothing.
So, I removed it, but not without feeling like I needed the comfort of a T-Swift breakup song. I don’t know how many times I’ve purchased something from the ultra-clearance racks that in retrospect made no sense. I’ll find something to wear it with or I thought it was just too cute
to pass up. What? If you’re not going to wear it, don’t buy it. For as much time as we spend standing in the aisle justifying that soon-to-be impulse buy, we could be shopping the racks for a serious piece we would actually utilize. Rule of thumb? if you’re not in love and you’re doubting, say goodbye and save your wallet some heartache.
Sometimes we think [I know at least I do] if there’s a sale we’re somehow saving money, even if we’re buying something we don’t need. In reality, we’re not saving a penny. We’re better off investing more money into a staple piece than succumbing to that 75% sign.
As much as I wanted that skirt, I hate to admit that it would have gotten more use in a frame hanging on a wall in my apartment than it would have hanging in my closet.
Shop smart, even when the glowing, flashing, beaming, clearance sign is telling you otherwise.
January 31, 2013 @ 10:11 am
How many times do I do this?! lol
I went into TJ Maxx one Saturday afternoon. I wasn’t even looking for clothes (I was actually shopping for art for the house), but somehow…ended up in the Shoe section! After browsing, I found a pair of red, patent leather Jessica Simpson pumps in the clearance section. They were about 1 size too small, but the price was SOOOO low and they were SUPER cute! I bought em. Didn’t even hesitate.
About 2 weeks later, I went to wear them to work with my new outfit. I had my blouse, my slacks, and all of my accessories on. All I needed now was the shoes! I went to put my foot in (knowing the challenge I would be facing) and finally squeezed both of my feet into the stunning pumps. As I walked to my car… FLOP!! The heel on the right shoe snapped right off! Phooey! I guess that was a clearance steal of a deal that was better left on the rack. 🙁
January 31, 2013 @ 10:17 am
Great Post! =) My first job was senior year of Highschool at Old Navy. Anyone who has ever worked in retail probably knows that it’s a “dangerous” job… that is, dangerous for the paycheck that you are tempted to spend before you are even done earning it. I am pretty frugal, but I can definitely say, that year I purchased some “hanging art” for my closet from the clearance section that didn’t save me any money 😉
January 31, 2013 @ 10:42 am
I think the worst clearance section hoax is the dreaded sign in the middle of a section. You pick something out that you assume is 75% off, but when you go to buy it, it was on the rack right next to the sale and only the two racks to the left are on sale. So now you’re stuck with the option to buy the crazy cute but super expensive dress or put it back. And it sucks. Majorly.
February 1, 2013 @ 9:37 am
Congrats, Kimmie! The francesca’s jewelry set is yours! Facebook message BBB with your address and we will get it out to you. Enjoy!
February 1, 2013 @ 10:35 am
Thank you so much!