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Aside from Black Friday, it’s the most anticipated event of the year for shoppers: the post-Christmas day sales. At six in the morning on December 26, armed with Christmas money, a Visa, and a comfy pair of Asics, I set out in search of those tell-tale “SALE” signs.
My first stop was Sawgrass Mills Mall. The idea of an added holiday discount on already discounted outlet items seemed too good to be true—and it was. Store windows beckoned with promises of “60-70% Off!” and “Everything Half Priced!” but upon closer inspection of price tags, the deals began to look far less appealing. True, many stores did slash their tickets prices in half—prices that had been extremely inflated previously, however. To a working teenager on a budget, a 65% discount loses much of its allure when the original price is in the $300 range (especially at an outlet store).
At other stores, I ran into a different kind of problem. Forever 21 offered great deals, as usual, but most of the clearance items were either extra larges or extra smalls. I ran into the same problem at the American Eagle and Hollister at Broward Mall. Not too bad, I guess, if you’re a medium in need of some cheap over sized shirts.
Despite the disappointments, I did manage to find some great buys at two of my favorite stores: the Gap and Banana Republic. The former offered turtlenecks, sweaters, and holiday flats, all for under $25. My favorite find was a set of delicate silver bangles, sold in groups of three for just $1.99. At Banana Republic, I found dresses and evening wear reduced to extremely affordable prices. I found a pair of leather riding boots (which I’d purchased for $70 on Black Friday), reduced to a mere $48.
Even though I did purchase a few items, it was hard not to see the effects of the recession at the mall. There were smaller crowds at the mall, and those who did make it to the stores left with shopping bags that were noticeably smaller than those in previous years.
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