National Bargain Hunting Week

National Bargain Hunting Week is observed each year during the second week of August.  People love the hunt and the final deals, whether we are searching for kitschy finds at a yard sale or browsing the clearance rack at the local department store. There are plenty of advantages to bargain hunting, primarily getting items at a reduced price, saving money, and the satisfaction in a deal done well.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Get friends together and make it a group activity! Shopping, like so many things in life, is more fun in numbers. Go look for some bargains at retail stores or thrift shops!

Before you head out to bargain hunt, make a list of what you’re looking for, with appropriate dimensions (such as acceptable size for large items). Stock your vehicle with rope or twine (to tie things down) and blankets (to cushion items). Stop in your favorite stores frequently. The merchandise at second-hand stores tends to turn over regularly. Do your homework before shopping. See what certain items are going for on Craigslist or e-Bay. Be sure appliances work before you put down the cash.

WHERE TO SHOP IN OMAHA

• Marshalls
• Big Lots
• Burlington Coat Factory
• J. Maxx & HomeGoods
• Goodwill
• Thrift World
• Habitat for Humanity Restore
• Assistance League Thrift Shop Omaha
• The Salvation Army

Have fun with your shopping while saving money. You’ll be singing “I’m gonna pop some tags, only got twenty dollars in my pocket…I’m hunting for a come-up…from that thrift shop down the road,” from Macklemore all week.

And if you’re planning your own yard sale, check out these tips from experienced yard sale ninjas from Core Bank’s blog.