The Stocktake Sale Survival Guide

The recession may mean that pinching pennies is the new black, but if you’re not feeling it – now is the perfect time to shop. End of financial year sales are in swing and the savings are proving to be some of the most dramatic in years.

But before you head out to snag a string of bargains, you should be ‘stocktake sale' versed and equipped.

1. Don’t pull a bender

Never dedicate an entire weekend to shopping, even the most seasoned of shoppers will begin to buy unnecessary goods. Instead, organise 2 consecutuive Saturdays and map out where you want to go before venturing out. You’ll save petrol and ensure you cover as much ground as possible, within trading hours.

2. Stop, revive, survive

Not just for interstate travel, a serious shopper should remember these three words. The bright lights of a mall and red and white SALE signs can become surreal. Avoid getting yourself in a shopper’s tizz by keeping an eye on the time, or setting yourself an alarm so you can remember to eat lunch and sit down.

Being undernourished and tired will result in bad purchasing decisions and a follow-up trip to return goods. On that note, always keep a water bottle in your bag and stay hydrated. Harsh lights and heating will leave your body (and skin) dehydrated. In the Canberra Centre? Why not stop in at Raw Sugar for a relax.

3. Do the math

Don’t buy current season in July for less than 40 % off. With less than 2 months left of winter you’ll realistically have just over half the time to wear your goods, than if you had purchased pre-season full price. Be smart, because unless it’s a classic coat, what are the chances you will want to fish it out of the closet in 12 months?

Be a shopping economist and stock up on essentials like homewares, linen and big ticket items like beds, electrical and even that new car you're overdue for. Retail prices of cars have gone down and finance is at lower interest rates VS the big bank sharks. It's a great time do buy!

Hot Department Store Zones:
Myer: Australia's Biggest Stocktake Sale (Mass produced goods at up to 80% off, sale ends 5th July, or until sold out)

David Jones Half Yearly Clearance (Mass produced goods at up to 80% off & 3 years no deposit, interest free on big ticket items)

Country Road Final Clearance (25% off already reduced items, means some items are going out at up to 70% off. A gold mine for size 4 - 6 and 16)

Hot Boutique Zones:
Things of Desire (10-50% off. 50% off French and Italian coats and other great discounts in store)

Photos: Confessions of a Shopaholic, Touchstone Pictures