The Sales

Traditionally, the sales took place in the summer, and just after Christmas, and whilst this is still the case, it is becoming more common to see stores offering items on 'sale' all through the year. 

There are still the 'big' sales that people flock to, the biggest of which has to be at Harrods - people will happily camp on the pavement over night to be the first allowed through the doors when the sale opens, and there is always a celebrity on hand to declare the sale 'officially open'.

The sales are a good opportunity for retailers to offer end of line or end of season stock at a discounted price, in order to make way for new items coming into the store.  It is also a good time to pick up a bargain.  However, be sure to check sale items to ensure that they are not faulty in any way, and that they really are on sale i.e. that they have previously been for sale at the original quoted price and not just marked as being on sale.

Some retailers will also take the chance to sell 'seconds' on to the public.  These are items that are 'not perfect' in that they may have some faulty stitching or the pattern on a plate may be slightly off-centre.  If you are domesticated enough to do a little bit of sewing or you don't spend your days scrutinising your crockery, these can prove a good purchase.

Do be wary of getting caught up in sales fever.  Do you really need that lime green and canary yellow plastic anorak that is three sizes too small just because it will only cost you five pounds?? Perhaps not!!

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