Looking to save money in the year ahead? There are lots of easy ways to get money off just about everything you pay for – from food to home appliances. The secret is to know how. In the second of our brand new credit crunching series, we tell you how to make the most of shopping in discount stores, factory shops and sales.
We’ve all read the headlines about how discount stores are the only ones really making money in a recession, but what can you buy there and where should you shop? Most high streets have at least one discount store, and retail parks boast them now, too. You can buy everything from clothes to food in them, but they all have a few things in common: low prices, no frills, and a quick turnaround.
Primark, Matalan, Poundland, Makro, Costco, TK Maxx, Wilkinsons, Netto, Aldi and Lidl are the best known companies.
Netto, Aldi and Lidl are discount supermarkets that sell a mix of well known brands and labels you might not have heard of. Brilliant for shaving pounds of your shopping bill if you only buy household basics there.
Makro is a chain of cash and carry warehouses throughout Britain, and stocks food, catering and office supplies. It’s for trade and business customers, so you may not be eligible to shop there. However, if you can prove you have a business or company name, you should be able to.
Costco sells a huge range of goods at really low prices, including kids’ play equipment, food, drink, electrical items, furniture and sports goods. Only trade customers can buy at its warehouses, however, if you register under a business name, you will be eligible to shop here.
Primark – who hasn’t shopped there and been amazed at its low prices. Probably the cheapest place to buy clothes, you can also find a decent range of home buys there, too, including towels and bedding with great designs but low price tags.
TK Maxx stocks left-over, returned and end of line clothes, accessories, sportswear, toys and homewares, from designers and big brands. You can get discounts of up to 60 per cent in-store, but prepared to search as product is crammed onto its rails.
Wilkinsons has a wide choice of housewares, DIY accessories, stationery, health and beauty products – the website has an even bigger product range, too.
Matalan is known for its cheap (but stylish) clothes, but you can also buy some great homeware there, too.
Poundland – doesn’t sound glamorous – but it has thousands of home buys, toys, DIY and baby products on sale for £1 (and more). For better bargains still, keep your eyes peeled for deals of the week.
Don’t miss Part 1 of our series: Money Off Vouchers, Loyalty Cards and Getting Cashback
More Money-Off Ideas: 30 Ways To Shop & Save
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