SHOPPING FOR CLOTHING

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SHOPPING FOR CLOTHING

• 8th Grade FCS

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• Shopping options are everywhere today.
• You could
• Go to the mall
• Visit an individual store
• Shop online
• Shop from a catalog
• Order from television
• Visit resale stores, flea markets
• and yard sales

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SO

• WHERE DO YOU SHOP?

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STORES

• Buying in a store gives you a firsthand look at
  the merchandise.
• You can try on clothes to see how they look.
• Evaluating the style, quality, and fit is easier
  than when buying from only a picture and
  description.

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TYPES OF STORES

• Stores vary in type of merchandise, special
  services, and prices.
• Some specialize in certain price ranges low,
  medium, or high.
• Others offer a range of prices within a certain
  category.

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1. Department Stores

• Large stores with merchandise grouped into areas
  according to specialty for example, clothing,
  cosmetics, accessories, luggage, housewares, etc.
• Services may include gift wrapping, delivery,
  bridal registry, repairs, etc.

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Department Stores

• In addition to brand name items, many sell
  products with their own private label.
• Examples of major department stores are Macys,
  Bloomingdales, JC Penney and Sears.

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2. Specialty Stores

• Carry a limited line of merchandise, such as
  clothing, accessories or fabric.
• Some focus on a particular groupchildren,
  petites, or large sizes.
• Others sell a specific category lingerie,
  swimwear, bridal gowns, jewelry, or shoes.

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Specialty Stores

• Small specialty stores are typically owned by one
  or more people.
• They provide personal service.
• Examples include The Limited, Gap, Old Navy,
  Victorias Secret, and Payless Shoes.

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Specialty Stores - Boutiques

• A specialty store that features very fashionable
  or unique designs.
• Prices are usually higher.
• They appeal to customers looking for a unique
  style or special look.

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3. Discount Stores

• Sell merchandise at less than full retail price,
  and usually lower than in department and
  specialty stores.
• Relying on self-service and checkout counters,
  they have few sales personnel.
• Some are chains that carry brand-name items, as
  well as little-known or private label brands.
• Are not all the same.

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Discount Stores Off-price Retailers

• Sell brand-name and designer merchandise at
  reduced prices.
• They buy late in the fashion season when
  manufacturers are eager to sell at low prices.
• Examples are T.J. Maxx,
• Marshalls, and Burlington
• Coat Factory.

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Discount Stores - Outlets

• Sell only the brands produced by the designer,
  manufacturer, or factory that owns the store.
• Garments sold in these stores are overstocks,
  cancelled orders, or last seasons designs.
• Some may have imperfections or flaws.

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4. Resale Stores

• Specialize in used or second-hand clothing.
• Prices are less than similar new items.
• All purchases are final they cant be returned
  or exchanged.
• Thrift stores owned by a church group or
  charity
• Consignment stores sell for the owner.

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Where else can you shop?

• Catalogs
• Internet
• Television
• At-home Selling (parties)
• Fairs and Flea Markets
• Garage and Yard Sales

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Think about this one

• You see an outfit on a clearance rack because
  someone returned it without the belt. Is that a
  good deal?

A. The money you save on the outfit may not be
worth the time and effort it takes to find a new
belt.
Meanwhile, the retailer raises other prices to
make up for the loss.
One consumers neglect affects many others.
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• Who pays to clean and repair clothes damaged by
  careless shoppers?
• Who pays for items stolen by shoplifters?
• Who pays for the high insurance premiums that the
  store must pay to protect their stock?
• Who pays for the extra workers hours spent
  handling returns and exchanges?
• Who makes up the difference if these goods are
  sold at a loss?

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YOU DO!
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THE RESPONSIBLE CONSUMER

• Hidden costs are the expenses a store owner
  experiences due to how customers handle their
  merchandise.
• Hidden costs in the clothing you buy come from
• Customer Carelessness
• Theft
• Returns

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How should you act when you shop?
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1. Show Consideration

• Be polite to other shoppers.
• Remember that the sales associate does not set
  prices or control inventory.
• You will get better service with a polite,
  pleasant attitude.
• Remember that other shoppers dislike long lines
  as much as you do, so wait your turn.

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2. Handle Merchandise Carefully

• Try on only what fits. Broken zippers, lost
  buttons, and ripped seams result from trying to
  squeeze into garments that are too small.
• Pull garments over your head carefully to prevent
  makeup stains.
• Take off shoes before stepping into a garment.
  The fabric stays clean, you wont catch your shoe
  in the hem.
• Remove jewelry that might snag fabric.
• Leave all labels, hangtags, and price tags on
  garments. Replacing them costs the store time
  and money.
• Keep garments and accessories on hangers before
  and after trying them on. They might get
  wrinkled or dirty on the dressing room floor.
• Return unwanted items to the sales associate or
  checker.

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3. Be Honest

• Shoplifters cost retailers in North America 10
  million every day.
• Some of these costs are passed on to consumers as
  higher prices.
• Shoplifting and employee theft are crimes that
  can result in stiff fines, legal supervision, a
  jail sentence, and a lifetime police record.

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4. Understand Store Policies

• Learn the stores return policy before buying.
• Can you return the item?
• How long after you have bought it?
• Will you get cash or store credit?
• Learn the stores payment policy
• Cash? Credit? Check? Debit?

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• To help avoid exchanges and returns, check the
  fit and quality of an item before you buy.
• Save the sales receipt, hangtags, and any
  warranties that come with the purchase.
• Most stores will not take returns without the
  sales receipt!

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Exchanges and Returns

• If something is wrong with a clothing purchase,
  you can return it promptly to the store for
  exchange, credit, or refund.
• Check the store policy before making a purchase.

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Exchanges and Returns Acting in Good Faith

• Exchange or return merchandise only for
  legitimate reasons.
• A store shouldnt be expected to exchange or
  refund merchandise that has been mishandled.
• Expectations about the wear and performance of a
  garment should also be reasonable.

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Exchanges and Returns Complaining Effectively

• Remember, people are motivated more by kind words
  than harsh ones. Be polite.
• Go to the correct place in the store to make your
  complaint. Start with the department where you
  purchased the item.
• Talk to a sales associate or department manager.
• Some stores have a customer service department
  that handles complaints.
• Proceed up the chain of command if you feel the
  problem has not been resolved. See the store
  manager or owner.

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• If you are persistent and act in good faith, your
  problem will usually be resolved.
• Most stores and manufacturers want satisfied
  customers who will continue to purchase
  merchandise and services.