Shopping without doubt is a year-round affair, but what really has everyone airing out their shopping bags is the four-letter word spelt 'SALE'. As the sales begin, so does the hustle-bustle at the stores, followed by much jostling for the best pick. That's what sales are for -- smart buys. There's no reason why you should splurge on a winter coat or knee-high boots in the month of January when you can buy the same at a slashed price at the end of season sale in February. The flipside is that you will have to wait a full year to strut around in your new ensemble. "I shop for the entire family when the sales are on. It makes sense to stock for next season at affordable prices," mentions Usha Verma, a homemaker from Panchkula's Sector 11.

A quick recce of the markets and there seems to be a sale on everywhere. Brands like Levis, Madame, Black, United Colors of Benetton, Allen Solly, Peter England et al are offering reasonably good discounts varying from 30 to 50 per cent. But here's a word of caution. As much as we would like to head for the racks and pick up everything that fits, be wise when making your selection. "Once I picked a top which was at 65 per cent off and after one wash I could not wear it again," rues Shivani Mehta, a BA final-year student of SD college who suggests settling for discounts of up to 40 per cent, where one can be assured of good quality clothes at pocket-friendly prices.

Another dampener during the sale period is the fact that sometimes discounts are limited to a few collections or the ones with the biggest price cut are from previous seasons! "But if you look diligently, you can still bring home a purchase to keep. Hunt for regulars like jeans, or a black trouser or perhaps even a pair of casual shoes available at decent discounts. That's my mantra," city-based fashion designer Poonam Sood suggests that you keep future colour forecasts in mind.

Ok, now that you have that in order, here's another stumbling block you may face -- matters of size. "Most of the times it happens that I really like something but I end up buying nothing, because the size is not available," complains Sheena, a city-based MBA student. Remember the phrase -- early bird catches the worm. Well, when it comes to seasonal sales, this rule works if you shop within ten to fifteen days after the onset of sale, you can expect more variety and availability of size. Speaking of rules, here's another one to follow. Whenever there's a sale on, there will always be a disclaimer pasted all around - 'No return during Sale'. It's advisable to take this statement seriously. Often in excitement or in a hurry to choose, we end up buying clothes which may not be right or more so lack style. So shop diligently!