Boulder on sale

Many stores, such as Kinsley and Company, on Pearl Street, put their merchandise on sale after the holidays and at the end of winter. (CU Independent file photo/Amanda Bernaudo)

Even in times of economic recession, the beginning of spring means that it is time for end-of-season sales and new spring lines.

This being said, many Boulder residents cannot afford to shop for designer clothes at retail price.

Leeds School of Business marketing Professor Donald Lichtenstein, an expert on marketing and consumer behavior, said that there are many ways to avoid overpaying.

“The number one thing consumers will do is find the first thing and just buy it,” Lichtenstein said. “You must understand how much difference there is in what merchants can charge. It is worth your time to spend time shopping.”

He said that shopping for sale items, usually coupons and going from store-to-store could be money saving techniques. Lichtenstein also said that Internet searches could be a great way to find out about sales.

Winter clearance sales are all over Boulder.

New Clothes

Savvy, located at 114 Pearl St. in the Pearl Street Mall, currently offers a winter clearance sale. Savvy offers a wide variety of name brands, like UGG Australia, Havaiana, Reef, Minnetonka, Toms and Sorel for shoes.

The store includes a number of trendy items for male and female students. Savvy also contains a wide variety of hats, flip-flops, bathing suits and bags. Although most of the clothes on clearance are winter related, there is a mix of springtime clothes on sale.

Rachel Israel, a 20-year-old junior history major and an employee at Savvy, said that the clothes are indefinitely on sale and that flip-flops, sandals and dresses are pretty much year round and can be found on the sale rack.

“Lots of neon’s and brighter colors are in this season, as well as shirts with zippers,” Israel said.

Shopper Juan Pedro Chevallier Gomez Ibarra said he was shopping for the originality of the clothes as well as the comfortable. He bought a pair of shoes.

“These are the type of clothes you can’t find a mall like Cherry Creek [Shopping Center],” he said.

Urban Outfitters, located at 934 Pearl St., is another store with an extensive sale section. The store is known for alternative apparel and contains brands like Diesel, Converse, Havaianas, Frye, Silence & Noise, Sparkle & Fade, BDG, Levis and Alternative Apparel. The clothes range from plaid skirts and dresses, to blue jeans and shorts, as well as printed T-shirts, tank tops, and a variety of accessories like jewelry, belts and hats.

Jake McMillen, a 19-year-old sophomore engineering major, said he likes the clothes at Urban Outfitters on the sale rack because they are more affordable.

“Usually they have good deal on expensive jeans and jackets,” McMillen said.

The Fitter, located at 1352 College Ave., is another store currently offering end of season sales. Located on the Hill, the store offers a wide variety of name brand styles for college students, including peasant style and hip clothes for women, and hoodies, t-shirts for both men and women. The store offers winter clothes from brands like Free People and Junk Food at a discounted price.

The Fitter also includes a wide variety of shoes, including UGG Australia, Sanuk and flip-flop brands Reef and Ocean Minded. Many hoodies are currently 40 percent off, T-shirt discounts range from 20 percent to 50 percent off and swimsuits are also discounted.

Betty Gruskin, a co-owner of the fitter, said that winter clothes are on sale to make room for spring clothes. She also said that sandals are coming in daily.

“Canvas shoes like Toms are big,” Gruskin said. “Sanuks are also popular. We also sell more paraphernalia, as the weather gets nicer. People tend to party more.”

For even cheaper prices, thrift stores are not out of question for many CU students.

Used Clothes

The Salvation Army Thrift Story, located at 1701 33rd St., has a wide array of used clothing. From winter jackets to shorts, the Salvation Army contains a wide selection for those looking for inexpensive clothes.

Elizabeth Leahy, a 19-year-old sophomore international affairs major, said she goes to the Salvation Army when she is not shopping online.

She also said that she often swaps clothes with friends.

“I look for something different, something colorful,” Leahy said when asked what type of clothes she looks for. “I also keep comfort in mind.”

Buffalo Exchange, located at 1717 Walnut St., offers trendy new and used clothes and allows customers to sell their past products. The store carries designer jeans and clothes from past decades. Various colors and patterns are seen throughout the store.

Savers, located at 695 S Broadway St. carries vintage products meant to save shoppers money.  The store carries a wide variety of all kinds of clothes, books and furniture.

Will Duff, a 21-year-old junior environmental science major, said he shops at both Buffalo Exchange and Savers.

“I got a really nice shirt [at Buffalo Exchange], which was $11 and would have been $50,” Duff said. “You can also sell to Buffalo Exchange and donate to Savers.”

Ski clothes

As far as ski clothes go, major shops are currently offering extensive sales on just about all clothes needed for the mountains.

Boulder Ski Deals, located at 2525 Arapahoe Ave., is known for offering some of the most affordable clothes, especially during the end of season sales.

Currently, various women’s sweaters are 40 percent off, many women’s winter jackets and snow pants are between 50 percent and 70 percent off and much of the men’s snow gear is 40 percent off.  There are also sales on snow boots, ski boots, snowboard boots, skis and snowboards. Boulder Ski Deals carries major brands like Atomic, Dynastar, G3, K2, Nordic, Roxy, Rossignol, Volkl and Spyder.

For women, Outdoor Divas located at 1133 Pearl St. on the Pearl Street Mall, also offers a wide variety of discounted ski gear, as well as yoga pants, shirts and tanks, much of which is 60 percent off. The store also discounted its skis and snowboards. Jackets on sale include KJUS, Rossignol, K2 and Burton. The store focuses on the female style, a nice place for girls to look.

In this economy, students said buying reasonably priced clothing is especially important.

“The best prices can really be anywhere,” Lichtenstein said. “Never pay full price for anything. Be flexible. Be willing to walk away from something.”

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sara Juliet Fruman at [email protected].

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