How
and Where to Shop in the US
In the
U.S. most stores and shops offer items for a non-negotiable, fixed
price, called the "list" price. Sometimes items are
discounted. These are called "sales", and the item
is said to be "on sale". You can check your local
Sunday newspaper inserts for coupons, and for discounts on items at
the stores on given days.
!
Sales: Many clothing stores, department stores, appliance stores
and mattress stores and car dealers offer special sales on or before
major holidays like July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving,
and Christmas, and even on minor holidays like Father's Day and President's
Day. "White sales" on linens and housewares occur during
the summer months, in January, and after Christmas.
Negotiable
Items Include:
- both
new (at some dealerships) and used cars
- Used
items found at garage sales and flea markets, and through private
sellers in the classifieds
Places
to Shop:
Shopping
malls are retail spaces shared by a large or small group of stores.
Malls are very popular places for Americans to shop.
"Thrift
shops" run by charitable organizations like Goodwill or the
Salvation Army support the poor, homeless and sick by donating proceeds
from sales of "second-hand" or used items. You can find
good deals on clothing, furniture and some appliances at these shops.
You can also donate your old items for a tax deduction.
"Consignment
shops" sell used items but offer part of the proceeds to
the private seller. If you want money for your old clothes you can
try a consignment shop. It is at the shop's discretion whether to
accept your clothes for sale. Most stores require the clothing be
clean and neat, in good condition and without tears or lost buttons.
"Garage
sales" are very popular in the U.S. Private individuals put
their used items out in front of their houses and let the public browse
their wares. If you like an item, you can negotiate the price. You
can find garage sale notices in the classifieds section of your local
paper and posted on telephone poles and bulletin boards in your neighborhood.
"Flea
markets" are large public markets filled with vendors selling
new and used clothing, old bicycles, and housewares. You can sometimes
find good deals here.