My passion for saving money runs deep. It certainly drives me. It’s never a question of how much I spent, but how little I spent. When it comes to clothes, I’m incredibly low maintenance. Brands mean nothing to me – high end or low end. My main determining factors in making wardrobe choices is 1) Does it fit? 2) Do I love it? 3) Can I see myself still wearing it three years down the road?
One of my favorite stores to shop at is Stein Mart. This is because Stein Mart rocks a clearance sale like nobody’s business. Not only that, almost every weekend there are coupons that can be applied on top of already amazing deals. Here’s what you need to know to rock a coupon at Stein Mart.
Red Dot Clearance
There’s always Red Dot Clearance. I don’t think that this is necessarily the lowest price point in their system, even though we typically associate red with the final mark down. Once items begin to move out of season, Stein Mart places them on the Red Dot racks.
Blue Slash Clearance
Again I’m not sure if Red Dot or Blue Slash are really levels of discount or just a mark down system based upon how long something has been on sale. It’s almost a question of which comes first, the chicken or the egg. However. there are typically separate racks featuring both Red Dot and Blue Slash clearance. It’s important to note which rack you’re looking at so that you can use the correct coupon and get a better idea of how much you’ll save.
Clearance Deals Aren’t Just for Clothes
Stein Mart also places accessories, shoes, purses, furniture, household items, and even electronic gadgets on Blue Slash and Red Dot Clearance. Spend some time acquainting yourself with where the separate clearance racks are located. I always check the petite racks (which are separate) and the pajamas, too. The necklace I get the most compliments on I purchased for $4 at Stein Mart. Do some detective work and you’ll soon know where to locate each rack throughout the store.
ALWAYS Shop on the Weekend
Stein Mart’s best discounts and coupons are reserved for the weekend – typically Friday through Sunday. However, occasionally a sale will stretch to a Thursday or a Monday when there’s a holiday. I’d avoid any purchasing during midweek.
ALWAYS Check the Coupons
The key to maximizing the killer clearance at Stein Mart is using a coupon to further your savings. You can receive coupons a number of ways. 1) Sign up for the e-mails sent by the Stein Mart (this is what I do). The program notifies you of both special promotions and any available coupons as soon as they release. 2) Check the website. 3) Be a Preferred Customer. It’s a free program that rewards you when you spend money at Stein Mart even if it’s a teeny bit that you spend. By the way, there is currently a 75% Off Blue Slash clearance coupon available at Stein Mart. That means you’ll get 75% more off the already reduced price.
Shop Out of Season
As is the case with most clearance bargains, you need to be prepared to shop out of season if you want to score the best deals. For instance, even though the weather is turning cold, I shopped Stein Mart and picked up four Jones New York t-shirts. After my 75% off Blue Slash Coupon, two rang up at $2.24 and two at $1.74. I also snagged an adorable necklace and pair of earrings and spent $12.77 TOTAL friends. I will wear the Ts under blazers and sweaters this winter or maybe save one of them for the spring. But at under $3, it’s simply a deal I couldn’t afford to pass up. During the spring months, I’ll stock up on sweaters and jeans for the next fall.
Talk To Your Manager
It’s possible that your store manager will be able to tell you when new markdowns are to be made. They may or may not know the sale cycle but it never hurts to ask if there will be further reductions in price made.
Over the last two years Stein Mart has become one of our very favorite places to shop. The King of Free can rock a deal there, too. Between those great Stein Mart Coupons and clearance deals, you can pay less than you would at a thrift store for brand new items. It only takes a little simple strategy and intentionality.
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free on Kindle or Pre-Order Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After (due out January 2015).
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!