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Getting sold on 'sales'

By Shezna Shums

During the festive season, along with the gaiety, mushrooms numerous "sales" by retailers. 'Seasonal 'sales' are so common that people often believe that they are getting a bargain of a lifetime.

But the question is whether these sales truly offer good bargains at slashed prices or a gimmick to lure in the shoppers.

The 'sales' are generally on from early December till mid January. There are signboards everywhere attempting to woo customers to bust their Christmas bonuses on the wares offered.

Retailers also book halls for a few days where they expect to make a 'killing.' The items offered vary from shoes, bags, clothes, make-up and other 'gifts'. The items on sale are usually just piled up with the prices being shown to maximum benefit.

Entering the fray during the past fortnight, were Indian retailers and shop owners who swamped Colombo, cashing in on the season.

The Sunday Leader spoke to some of its readers on their experiences at these 'sales' offering fantastic bargains. Many had mixed thoughts while some felt good discounts were offered. Some felt that the retailers only reduced prices by a fraction.  Many others however felt that these 'sales' were simply for advertising purposes.

Shanuka, speaking to The Sunday Leader noted that she does shop a great deal during the season, but added she had no partiality towards the so-called bargain sales.

"Although the prices are reduced, the quality of the goods are questionable. They are also often soiled," she said. And the prices, she said are only marginally reduced.

Nadeesha, another shopper, said that the prices are not reduced to the extent that they claim.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Harini said that she does not go for 'sales' that are advertised because sometimes these 'sales' have been going on for the entire year.  Noting that the prices of items are not always reduced but in fact are higher during the December season, she said that often they are "total rip offs" with very small discounts.

She added that sometimes there are good bargains, though she personally does not go for those. Nalin, another seasonal buyer said that he does go for selected 'sales' and believes that they offer great bargain prices.

And for some like Shanuka, the bargain sales that are currently on are real no-nos's. He admits to having expensive taste and would rather spend money on quality products than buy cheaper items which may be of questionable quality.

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