I love Anthropologie's clothing and home goods. I really do. But since I am a graduate student, and on a limited budget, I can't afford the latest and greatest. It's an effort in patience, I tell you. So I have to wait for - you guessed it- a sale! Here are some tips and tricks of how I shop Anthropologie on a limited budget.
1) Keep a Wishlist
Anthropologie has a very useful feature on their website that allows you to save items to a wishlist. I put things I want on mine before they sell out, and check often after sale day to see what has been reduced and if sold out items pop back up (because of Anthro's return policy, you may see an item that is a year old go back in stock, and for dirt cheap!) I check my wishlist at least once a day if I have time to make sure I don't miss coveted items. I've snagged some really great deals this way! Anthropologie is consistent 99% of the time, charging the same prices online than in store (and consistent from store to store as well, unlike Banana Republic, Gap or J. Crew, for example.)
2) Know the Sale cycle (and make a few calls)
Anthropologie usually cuts prices on Sunday nights (overnight, so they show Monday morning). This is the best time to shop online if you can manage staying awake until the wee hours of the morning (I can't). I often use the handy dandy "Find in Store" tool on the website to track down items, or call customer service to get phone numbers of stores that may have the items I want in stock (since Anthropologie ships from stores you can purchase from a store directly over the phone!) Customer Service used to be very helpful, but lately I have found that it's hit or miss so I have changed my strategy and often call my local store for help. The SAs there are amazing! I have also found it helpful to note how long an item has been out and how it is selling, so I can guess when it is going to receive a 1st, 2nd or 3 cut.
3) Price Adjustments
In addition to Anthropologie's generous return policy (the #2 reason why I shop there!) they offer price adjustments if an item has been further reduced within 14 days of your purchase (or ship date for online orders). I have majorly lucked out getting some great price adjustments, one of which I share at the end of this post (or you can scroll down if your curiosity is getting the best of you!)
4) Check Anthro specific blogs
My favorite is
Effortless Anthropologie, where I keep abreast of all the current promotions and Anthro happenings. The community is great in helping each other hunt for items!
5) Sign up for an Anthro Card, and email notifications
This seems simple, and the perks are scant, but when you are an Anthro member, you get a 15% discount on your birthday month to use either in store or online, which can be used on sale items! Also, though emails are frequent and usually get deleted on my end, every so often they have a free shipping code or a special promo notification (20% off dresses, 25% additional off sale items, etc.)
6) Get to know the staff at your local store (if you have one)
The SAs at my store are amazing. Seriously, they are the best. They know what I like and my size so they can pull stuff for me to try, and often times help me track down items when the store is slow. They also share the good deals they have been getting, which helps me discover items I may have missed.
7) Damage discounts and "last one" racks
Anthro often discounts items that have minor flaws, like missing a button, a broken zipper, or an unraveling hem, among other scenarios. I have never gotten a damage discount, but I have heard of ladies receiving items that are less than perfect (and fixable, like the button scenario above) and getting a generous discount. This is not foolproof and totally YMMV. I would underscore though that when an item doesn't look perfect, whether purchased on sale or for a great deal, if it is more serious than what a sewing machine or thread and needle can fix, I would not be inclined to keep it.
Some Anthros also have a "last one" rack, where you can find low stock products that are discounted to make room for new items on the sales floor. Sometimes these are in the fitting rooms, so don't forget to check!
8) Shop discount stores
Many bloggers have reported finding some Anthropologie brands at stores such as Marshalls, TJMaxx and some local discontinued clothing stores (we have two really great ones in the Bay Area where I often find some Anthro stuff from seasons past.) Some of the old stock gets sold to these discount retailers, so if you have one in your area check it out, you may find something!
9) Shop Ebay
I have found a few good items on ebay, and the offerings range from NWT to pre-owned (though I must admit, I don't buy pre-owned clothing). Note the seller's return policy, to make sure you know what kind of gamble you are taking if the item doesn't fit. For that reason, I prefer to shop directly from the store unless it's for an older item I can't get out of my mind. I also would cautiong against purchasing from resellers, as most of the time they are in the business of creating artificial demand and price gouging.
I hope you find these tips helpful, even if some are a bit obvious. Now, if you would indulge me, I would love to share what came in the mail this week, perhaps my greatest sale score ever at Anthro.
A very helpful community member posted on the
Effortless Anthropologie blog that she would be returning this dress at her local store, so I promptly contacted her and she was able to put it on hold for me upon returning (thank you so much, Cecilia!) I purchased it over the phone for $19.95 and free shipping, and by the time it arrived, it had received a 4th cut to $9.99 on Monday. I took my receipt to my local store, and the rest if history. That is over 95% off!
Please feel free to share in the comments below your own tips and tricks, or the deals that you've gotten. I always love a "good deal" story!
