by Muneerah B.

Created on: August 13, 2008

Think Out-of-the-Mall!

Do you find yourself shopping at the same places every weekend? Do you wait for a big grand sale at the mall to get items at a reduced price? What you don't realize is that you don't have to rely on these mid-season or year-end sales to get great deals; in fact you should look OUT of the mall.

When your favorite brands are looking to clear their stocks to make way for new products, they turn to warehouse sales where you can help them clear some space. As items and products are sold at wholesale price, it's ideal for those who are a big fan of a certain brand or store. On the other hand, some shoppers look out for warehouse sale that caters specifically to their interests or hobbies.

To accommodate the huge amounts of items for sale, a typical warehouse sale usually take place at spacious arenas such as Suntec Convention Halls or Singapore Expo. Otherwise, shoppers will need to take a trip to the headquarters of the companies themselves. You can be informed about such sales through the specific stores/ outlets (through their publicity materials in the stores) or with their flyers and mailing lists. You can also surf the web for warehouse sales happening around the island as shopping portals and blogs often update such information. Websites of the venues (for example www.suntecsingapore.com and www.singapore-expo.com.sg) also list all their events happening.

If you're not familiar with shopping at warehouse sales, here are some simple tips to consider:

Unless they're at Suntec or Expo, some of the venues may be unfamiliar to you. But don't let that stop you, the great deals they get out of warehouse sales justify the inconvenience of location. Just be sure that you are thoroughly prepared and know your directions to the venue. You wouldn't want to be lost or frustrated on your journey to the sale that it affects your shopping experience.

With the nature of warehouse sales, of course things may not be as neatly organized as they were in the stores and malls you frequent. You won't have the luxury of a sales person to help you locate a product or the size you want. Be prepared to rummage for the perfect items, and don't be surprise if you come across more than what you intended. The possibility of stumbling upon surprises is all part of the adventure!

It helps to have a plan for transportation after shopping. With the prices offered, you might end up purchasing more than you normally would and you might not want to lug them around after that. Keep that in mind when planning your next appointment after your trip to a warehouse sale. Expect long queues at the cab stand (and the cashier too, for that matter).

While you may already be on top of the game when it comes to the shopping scene in Singapore, it doesn't hurt to play a new card once in a while. Explore beyond your usual terrains for a new and exciting shopping experience. Or more like a shopping adventure!

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