Strap on your shopping shoes.
If the combination of “Dillard’s” and “outlet” has you puzzled and confused BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELT.
There are a handful of these stores around. The closest one to me is in Asheville. If you’re blessed to have been to one or if you’re living in the promise land and have one in your own town then count your blessings.
I usually hit mine up on the way back from a trip somewhere. Which means my husband and child are in the car and I’m given a “you get in and out within 45 minutes cause I’m ready to be home” talk. Honestly, I like the time crunch. This place is so vast and potentially overwhelming, that a time crunch really helps me focus and quickly filter what it is I’m willing to look at.
To help you out, here are a few things I’ve learned shopping at a Dillard’s Outlet…
1. They have weird hours and an ever-changing sale cycle. Before you make your trip, call ahead. They have a recording of what’s on sale that week. Also, the one in Asheville is only open from 12-7, so plan accordingly.
2. Don’t go in with a list. You never know what they’re going to have. Every time I’ve been there they’ve had zero boy clothes, but this last time? It was a boy mom’s DREAM. Go in with a full wallet and empty expectations.
3. Be prepared to shop a season ahead. Again, you don’t know what they’re going to have, but they will certainly have a plethora of what the opposite season is. Which means this time of year lots of sweaters, coats and boots. Not saying they won’t have anything for the current season, but don’t discount (#punalert) the section that’s for the next season. This last trip I bought a GORGEOUS Calvin Klein velvet blazer for $24. You know who’s going to love me for that? Future Elizabeth. Keep future you in mind and how much she will love pulling out a brand new item in a few months.
4. Get your digging gloves on…or digging shoes? Either way, be prepared to dig. Really, it’s a Dillard’s “garage sale”. That’s how you have to think of it. Someone lives in Dillard’s and decided to clean out their massive, two story closet, so they threw everything together in a pile and put it on sale. So ya have to dig. But my digging got me an Antonio Melanie bikini that was originally $132 for $20. Yeah girl.
5. Your shopping style needs to be on high speed. Like I said, I’m often on a time constraint, which I’m happy about and recommend. Otherwise I would probably need to be escorted out by security at the end of the night (or fall asleep in the home section). To get the most out of the trip, I crank my shopping style up to high speed – walking down as many isles as I can without even touching a shirt. I just look for something poking out that looks like it fits my style. And you know how when I talk about closet cleaning and how you need to look at something and go with that split-second gut reaction as to whether or not you’ll wear it again? Bring that same decision making ability to this store.
Remember all of these things and you’ll walk out with bags of great deals and quality things to wear all year round (for the whole family – fingers crossed)!
More sale shopping tips right here! And here are my regular Dillard’s sale picks – from the one in West Town Mall.
