The U.S. is home to an overwhelming number of retail stores, from sprawling outlets to intimate boutiques. Some of these stores are pricey, while others are cheap. Some specialize in one type of product, while others expand their inventory to include many different categories. Some stores have brick-and-mortar locations, while others exist only online.
So when the time comes to replace your old mattress, buy a new pair of shoes or upgrade your home theater system, you have no shortage of retailers to turn to. Identifying the one that best fits your needs will depend on the type of product you are after.
To help launch you on your shopping journey, here’s a guide to the best stores to purchase common products. Read on to learn where to shop for clothing, electronics and home goods.
[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]
Clothing
Finding a balance between cost and quality can be tricky when it comes to shopping for clothes. While you might not be eager to dry up your bank account on pricey apparel, we’re guessing you also don’t want to waste money on cheap clothes that will fall apart within a few wash cycles. You can depend on these stores to offer high-quality apparel for low prices:
Overstock.com. Scroll through the clothing section of this online marketplace, and you’ll find discounted apparel from nearly every major brand imaginable, including French Connection, Michael Kors and American Apparel. Head to Overstock’s clearance sale to dig up designer clothes for as low as half off the retail price.
Neiman Marcus Last Call. Neiman Marcus’s clearance store, Last Call, is a treasure trove of designer clothing deals. The outlet features deep discounts on men’s and women’s apparel from brands like 7 For All Mankind, Vera Wang, Juicy Couture and more.
Gilt.com. Though Gilt requires users to sign up for a free membership before they can access deals, it’s well worth the couple of minutes it takes to create an account. Once you join, you’ll get access to members-only sales featuring 70 percent off coveted items like Dolce Vita shoes or Brioni ties.
[See: 10 Ways to Save on Your Wardrobe.]
Electronics
Unless you’re adamant about making purchases in person, buying electronics online is almost always a smart choice. Not only can you compare prices from other retailers when shopping online, you can look up reviews and information about the product you are considering. Check out the following sites for the best chance of landing the latest and greatest electronics at the best prices:
Newegg.com. Boasting more than 10.5 million products, Newegg has become a leader among online electronics retailers. The site offers a constantly updated selection of daily deals on top laptops, tablets, TVs and more. Newegg also features an outlet section with a huge array of refurbished and open-box electronics from trusted brands like Dell and Samsung.
Amazon.com. Of course, no list of online electronics retailers would be complete without Amazon. This goliath digital marketplace boasts a vast selection of top-brand electronics and one of the largest databases of user reviews. Visit the Amazon Outlet section of the site to score new and refurbished electronics for even less.
Crutchfield. While Crutchfield is best known for auto and home audio, the Web retailer also offers an expansive collection of TVs, personal electronics and cameras. In addition to offering limited-time deals on different products each week, Crutchfield also features an outlet store with open-box, scratch and dent, and closeout items.
[See: The Best Months to Buy Everything.]
Home Goods
IKEA isn’t the only store where you’ll find reasonable prices on home goods. Visit these retailers to hunt down deals on first-rate furniture, appliances and other home goods:
Cost Plus World Market. Meander through the aisle of Cost Plus World Market, and you’ll see handmade furniture, striking décor and colorful kitchenware from around the world. Though you’d expect these one-of-a-kind pieces to be pricey, Cost Plus World Market keeps its prices tags surprisingly low.
Sears Outlet. While you may view Sears Outlet as a furniture shop, the clearance store offers mattresses, sofas, beds, tables and more at slashed prices. Sears Outlet also features a variety of small and large appliances at more than 40 percent off, including refrigerators, washer-dryer sets and dishwashers.
Big Lots. Big Lots’ sprawling stores showcase brand-name furniture, small appliances, and bed and bath goods for as much as 70 percent off retail price. At Big Lots, you’ll also find collections of items under $10 and $25, including home décor, toys and outdoor gear.
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Score the Best Deals by Shopping at the Right Stores originally appeared on usnews.com
