I’m a clothes horse. My closet looks more like a boutique than a typical bedroom closet. I have my favorite affordable stores (which I never shop without a coupon) but I lust after designer brands. Over the years (and with the assistance of my sister), I’ve gotten pretty good at combing discount stores to find the big names on clearance.
It takes time and persistence, but the payoff can be big…
Six weeks ago, I found a pair of Michael Kors wedges at DSW. The department store price was $198. The DSW price was $66 plus an additional 30% off. I loved them. I Tweeted them. I resisted them. I wanted a better deal.
I stopped into DSW two weeks later, and the wedges were still there. Still on clearance for an additional 30% off. Again, I resisted.
Fast forward three weeks and I’m packing for a trip to New York, thinking about how great those wedges would look with one of my outfits. I decide to stop into DSW one more time, hoping that by some miracle they are still there. I scan the clearance section and see nothing, but just as I’m about to leave, there they are! With an additional 70% off!
I practically skip to the register; happy to pay $20 for a $198 pair of Michael Kors wedges.
On my way out of the store the alarms go off. My bag is checked and I’m told my cell phone must have set off the alarm. I should have known better. I get home and there’s a big black sensor, right on the buckle. I was frustrated, but I reminded myself what a good deal I snagged and added it to my to-do list.
So, the next day I stop at the closest DSW, explain the situation, and am met with blank stares. Apparently the security sensors differ from store-to-store and they could not remove the kind that was on my shoe. Back in the car for a 30 minute drive to the store I originally purchased the shoes from.
I head to the register, explain the situation again, and the two associates behind the counter think it’s funny. Yes, it’s absolutely hysterical that one of your coworkers left the security sensor on my shoes, forcing me to drive around Austin for 2-hours to have it removed – now please give me an additional discount for my trouble.
Which they did. After I told them that I wasn’t amused, they upped the original discount to 80% off, making the shoes the bargain of the year at $12! To further redeem themselves, the manager left a nice voice mail apologizing for my trouble and offering an additional discount on my next purchase, which I appreciated.
And that is the story of how I got $198 Michael Kors wedges for $12.
If you’re counting, that was five trips to DSW.
I’m exhausted.
And if I fall and break my ankle the first time I wear them, I’ll know that karma really is a bitch.
They are SO CUTE!…. Totally worth all 6 trips, though I dont know if I could have resisted more than once. Im such an impulse shopper most of the time.
omg ! i am in LOVE with those shoes ! what a great deal ?! good for you for not just letting them get away with their laughter and it worked ! makes me want to go shopping !
Wow you got an insane deal! There’s a DSW by my house but I never get to checking it out. I’ll definitely visit that store for fall/winter boots. Upload a pic of your “boutique”!
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