SUMMER is in full swing and retailers are starting to launch their sales and you can bag the best bargains by knowing exactly when to shop.
Seasonal sales always comes around much quicker than we think, and by planning ahead, you can save both time and money.
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To bag the best possible deal in the sales, we’ve rounded up when to shop in stores from Primark to Asda.
The cost of living crisis means prices on the high street are going up.
And for shoppers, that means it’s more important than ever to make sure they’re getting the most of their money.
Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown said: “If you’ve held your nerve before splashing out on essentials for your holiday, there are some brilliant discounts around.
“The trick is to only buy what you need. It can help to hit the sales with a specific list and a budget, and to be really strict with yourself about not buying anything outside of either.”
To help you find the bargains and deals and save your hard-earned cash, we’ve rounded up the best times to shop at some of the major retailers.
Before you splash out, remember to always shop around as you may be able to find cheaper deals elsewhere.
Prices can change with no notice as retailers battle for your cash.
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Websites like CamelCamelCamel and Pricey Spy to look at price changes throughout the year.
And if you order online, make sure to factor in delivery costs in your budget.
Primark
Primark denies playing host to seasonal sales like its competitors.
But one shopping expert recently revealed exclusively to The Sun that Primark does in fact mark down its products.
Personal shopper Lisa Talbot told us the high street giant has a section for sale items throughout the year as a way of moving through stock fast and making way for new collections that come into store.
So if you’re not too far from your local branch, or your passing by, it could be worth popping in to see if you can bag a bargain.
Lisa said its worth looking in walkways that lead to other areas such as the escalators , lingerie or shoes as this is often where the discounts are hidden.
She said you can also try looking in corners at the back and side of the stores, but always where shoppers have to walk past.
Asda
Asda made further reductions to its summer sale this week, with prices dropping to as little as 50p.
The sale had been launched a few weeks earlier, but the supermarket giant has now slashed its prices even further
It can sometimes pay to wait a little longer to see if an item you want will be reduced even further.
But it’s important to bear in mind that you risk the item selling out by doing this.
The cheapest item we could find in the sale was in the clothing section.
A range of black and pink socks with personalised initials were reduced by 50%.
The socks were previously £1 and are now selling for just 50p.
Meanwhile, barbecue fans will be pleased to know that a hexagonal charcoal barrel grill has been reduced from £69 to £45 giving a saving of £24.
JD Sports
JD’s summer sale started last month, but it’s still going and fans have been flocking to get their hands on even bigger bargains.
You could get 54% off Puma Nitro Eng trainers, 60% off Nike Zoom Mercurial Vapor shoes or 61% off a Adidas Response CL pair.
In the women’s department, shoppers can get 57% off Adidas cycle shorts, 54% off Nike Varsity Joggers and 52% off Puma running tights.
There are also collectors’ items up for grabs like an Adidas Celtic woolie hat, which is 48% off, and half-price all terrain Crocs.
Like with Asda, it can sometimes pay to wait until a little later in summer to see if you can get an even better deal.
Homebase
This year, Homebase launched its summer sale in July – a month earlier than last year.
You can make sure you’re up to date with sale dates by joining your favourite retailer’s mailing list and then you won’t be late to the bargains.
Homebase has slashed the price of dozens of items including hot tubs, furniture sets and BBQs.
The discounts range across the sale items, from 20% to 50% off.
One of the best discounts we found was on a garden sofa set which has been reduced from £400 to £200.
Tips for shopping in summer sales
The feeling of getting a bargain is great – but it is really a bargain if you didn’t need it, or want it in the first place?
It’s important not to be drawn into thinking that just because it’s in the sale, it must must be a great deal.
Also, don’t forget to check refund policies – it’s important to check when they run out in case you want to return anything.
Make sure to check the prices beforehand so you know exactly how good the deal is.
Some online retailers also let you make wish lists or favourites, so you can check if they go in the summer sale.
On the day a sale is set to begin, eager shoppers head down early to be the first through the door of their favourite shop.
But timing your trip to coincide with when staff are restocking shelves can be just as good.
You can find out what time your favourite store usually restocks by asking staff at your next visit.
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