Tuesday Tip

I have another insider tip for you today. One to assist while you are shopping retail. There are code words used when stores are having "issues" and need to move inventory fast. The most common is the "going out business sale" and typically that is what it means. Although there are occasions when it's a restructuring to roll out a new look, often with the same name. Sometimes it's called a "moving sale" and once in awhile you will hear "retirement sale". This last one is so hokey because they would like you to believe there is great hardship to the remaining owners. I assure you in retail (small/privately owned businesses are excluded here) this is just a ploy to have a sale and offer only a very small percentage mark down.

Basically, they are all the same thing. Here's why: retail stores must move as much inventory possible to avoid moving and storage costs. Think of the what the calculated costs associated with moving a fully furnished mansion and then double it. Same for storage. And, retailers fully understand the risk of storing items. They know pieces will sustain damage and they will incur the costs associated with repair or profit losses when damaged items need to be sold at deep discounts after a move. It is always in the store's best interest to deplete inventory as quickly as possible.

When you see these signs, know that everything is negotiable. By purchasing several items, you increase your negotiating power. Cash and carry (meaning you pay in cash and take the item with you immediately) will yield you the best leverage. But most stores these days see credit equally appealing. Think of it like an upscale tag sale. Important notes: mind your manners and don't be arrogant. I can assure you if you offend the floor sales person or manager, they will not be flexible.  In addition, unless there is something you must have or tears will ensue, don't buy anything the first week of the sale. However, do browse and note what is present so you are informed upon return of what inventory has moved. This will give you a bit of additional leverage when asking for a discount. And of course, you will need to do so in the politest way possible.

A few weeks ago, the Drexel Heritage store close to where I live put up signs saying "never before or never again sale" going on now. So based on what I said above, I understood some sort of significant change would  result in a departure/closing/relocation.  In this case, I knew that Drexel owned the lower end Thomasville. Recently, they had their own sale where I scored a leather topped table from Darryl Carter's line for under $500!  The original price was $1,125...60% off. Unfortunately and surprisingly his line did not do well and has been discontinued. I think it would have been a far better fit for the Drexel customer.



Rollins pedestal table by Darryl Carter

 So....I figured there was a correlation and it had the sound of "fire" sale to me. When I went to check things out, a sales person I knew told me that it was determined Drexel was not the right fit for this location and they were moving a Thomasville store that was struggling in it's current location into their space. Here is what it meant to me personally and a few lucky friends and clients I called: prints, accessories, books and furniture at 80% off!!!

One of the things I was so excited about acquiring were these books. Shocking, I know! I purchased the set of 14 leather books with gold embossed covers. They are actually journals and immediately they made me think of one of my favorite movies, Out of Africa. When my husband saw them, he said "those are amazing, what's the subject?" I informed him anything we want it to be! The books were originally just under $60 each. Yes, I paid a mere $11 and change for something that looks like it came from estate sale that had a grand library or a purchase from an antique book dealer. I purchased a few other things too, perhaps a post for another day. For now, I'll be fantasizing about travels to far away lands that we can write about in beautiful journals!