If you listen to all the retail stores, news outlets and anybody else that is hollering for you to buy, the time to shop is always now! There is always a sale just finished, just started or going to start in a day or two. That’s because retailers are hurting and while that is not very good for them it is a good thing for you. So before the economy picks up and prices start to rise, it is a good time to shop if you have the resources. It’s never a good time to shop if you don’t have money.

The other thing people are afraid to do is barter with the store. Find a manager and make him an offer. The worst he can say is no and so you loose nothing by asking and have to possibility to get a better deal. This works when retailers are looking to sell you things they can’t seem to get rid of. No retailer want to hold inventory for very long as this creates a large problem as seasons change and new merchandise arrives. Offer to take it off his or her hands at a reduced price and see what happens.