10 Ways We Save Money at the Mall

As a parent of teenage daughters, I have tried these10 ways to save money at the mall. These frugal tips have considerably cut our costs, especially for fashions and accessories.

1. Pack snacks.

This sounds simple. As a family, we have been amazed at how much money (and time) we can save by grabbing water bottles and pocket snacks before leaving for the mall. Food courts and vending machines offer plenty of choices, but at high prices.

2. Make a shopping list.

Most of us jot grocery lists to stay on-budget at the food market. The same strategy works at the shopping mall. I keep a tiny notebook in my purse, listing everything from birthdays to clothing and accessory needs. In stores, this keeps me focused on what we really need, while preventing extra trips to purchase forgotten items.

3. Print coupons at home.

Many shopping websites offer free printable coupons for use in brick-and-mortar stores. I like to search coupons topically, picking those we need before we climb into the car.

Department stores and popular ready-to-wear fashion chains often offer web coupons for printing as well. If we know we are going to Gap or Kohl's, for example, I search online for these.

4. Pick the right shopping malls.

Outlet malls are increasingly popular, springing up all over. We live in a Bargain-Hunter's Bonanza, with several discount centers nearby. Often, we find items we need for much less than pricey boutiques or department stores may charge.

5. Park strategically at the mall.

Browsing can be costly. By stashing the car near the stores we plan to visit, we save time and eliminate the temptation of ducking into extra shops for items we don't need. If we are hunting for camp shorts, we may steer clear of shoe store displays.

6. Shop in-season.

Fashion boutiques and department stores tend to display merchandise at least one season ahead.

By searching for current items instead, we can usually find terrific deals on items we can wear immediately. Swimsuit shopping is pricey in the spring, but more budget-friendly in early summer. Winter coats, on the other hand, can cost a bundle in the early fall and a lot less after Thanksgiving.

In-season fashions can often be found in discount stores (like Marshall's, Stein Mart and T.J. Maxx) as well.

7. Grab a sales flyer.

Lots of stores print discount ads, displaying these on racks or checkout counters. Frequently, we have found great deals (or even discount coupons) by flipping through these pages.

8. Try on clothing before buying it.

Fitting rooms can be super money savers. I cringe to think of the many appealing outfits we have discarded, simply because they did not fit when we tried them on at home.

9. Never pay full price.

Repeat after me: Smart shoppers seldom pay full retail price for anything. I admit, we occasionally shell out big bucks for a prom dress or another special item that must be purchased immediately. However, as a rule, we try to shop more strategically.

Stores always display the latest styles upfront, where shoppers will begin browsing. Merchants plant their older wares in the back. Sale racks usually line the deepest walls of every shop. The most frugal customers will begin at the back and work their way forward.

10. Sign up for customer loyalty programs.

Stores love repeat customers, so they often encourage patrons to sign up for frequent buyer programs. Some send email discounts, web-links and coupon codes. The best programs automatically apply earned discounts at checkout.

Last week, checking out at Eddie Bauer, I noticed an ad flyer for a 30 percent discount the following day. Handing the cashier my loyalty card, I mentioned that I lived too far away to return so soon. She gave me the discount anyway. Sometimes it pays to ask.

Don't be mauled by mall prices. These 10 smart shopping strategies really do work. Shopping is much more fun when you can buy more and spend less.

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