AccessAtlanta > Shopping > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIs that really a sale?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The signs are up everywhere: 40 percent off this, 60 percent off that.
But when is a sale really a sale?
The Dec./Jan. issue of ShopSmart magazine reveals a sneaky retail trick; setting the regular price above the manufacturer suggested retail price to make a markdown look better.
When you’re out shopping, how do you figure out when you’re really getting a deal or when you’re just being snowed by a markup that has been marked down?
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: General Shopping
Comments
By denise
December 11, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
It’s always a sale when it’s something I absolutely can’t live without.
By Becky
December 11, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Are people really just now realizing this? If you pay attention when you shop, you should know that this has been a retail trick for a long time…
By One
December 11, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
That is no trick, even my 15 yr old knows about this!!!!!!!! The retailers are only fooling themselves!!!!!!!!
By Jj
December 11, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
50% off is a sale to me!!!!!
And yes, I know all about the retail game…….jack the prices up and then “slash” them to the original price.
The sheep flock.
By Ronda
December 11, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
Retail always has a 100% markup so if you get a discount its not worth something unless its at least 50-75% off. Women usually spot a retail deal faster than a man since we really know what things are worth and are willing to take the time to scrutinize and remember the comparable prices for other places that sell similar things.
By mamaj
December 11, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
There are about 6 retail stores I frequent and believe me, they couldn’t pull the wool over my eyes with that little “bait and switch” if I helped them. When I get a bargain, it’s really a bargain, because I go to a section I call “Clarence”(clearance) first.
By Rachel
December 11, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Kohl’s is probably the worst offender of this practice. Their merchandise is cheap and they buy in bulk - so they are making a big bucks - it’s all about the Gross Margin. The entire store is constantly on “Sale”.
By Storm
December 12, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
I agree w/Rachel. Kohl’s is the best at this game. I rarely purchase anything from them unless it’s clearance. The best time to shop retail is the items are “off season”. Sales are normally 50-75%.