$500 boots for $50? Not an easy feat, but not impossible either. In fact, I’ve done it. I once saved $450 on a $500 pair of leather knee-high boots (if you do the math, that’s 90% off). This kind of shopping Nirvana is possible in Hong Kong – one of the globe’s biggest shopping capitals – but book your tickets to coincide with the end-of-season sales to get a real deal.
Overcoming big bargain dilemmas in HK
HK is a shopaholic’s paradise, so my problem wasn’t a shortage of boots. But, my obstacle to finding shoes was large – it was my feet, an Aussie size 10 (European 40.) The average ladies’ shoe size in HK seemed to be a dainty size 6. So, when I first fell in love with a boot and gestured that I wanted to try it on, a sales assistant, with impossibly small feet, said with a giggle, ‘No BIG sizes left”. With her laughter ringing in my ears, I left – feeling like Bigfoot!
The situation didn’t improve at the next store, or the next 20. In fact, soon my hopes were so dashed, I was ready to give up, but then I saw a sign that read, “90% off winter boots”. And low and behold, the store actually had my size. It was a real Cinderella-moment when the first boot slid onto my foot. I held my breath as I zipped it up, then uttered two magical words: “they fit”. Mission complete. And three pairs later (why stop when you’re on a roll), I found my happily ever after.
The best shoe sale ever!
Ninety percent off in Hong Kong was good, but I’ve done better… It was a shoe store’s closing down sale and all shoes were priced at an unbelievable $5. I don’t think I need to tell you, but that type of temptation is enough to turn the world’s biggest penny-pincher into the next Imelda Marcos. So, of course, I turned into a rabid ‘bargain-hunting beast’, who snapped at anyone who dared to get in my way.
Later, when the shopping fog lifted and I was myself again, I checked my shopping bags and counted 6 pairs. Two were one absolute disaster pair – way out of my comfort (and comfortable) zone – but the others were the type of shoes I could imagine growing old in (or at least go out to dinner in). Ah, another fairytale shopping moment to hold dear.
Bargain shoe shopping tips:
Always be aware of the sales: Register at Missy Confidential, a nation-wide site that lists the latest sales and online bargains. There are also a number of excellent online shopping clubs you can join like www.ozsale.com.au and www.cocolee.com.au for unbelievable discounts.
Be loyal: If you are faithful to one store, save cash by joining their loyalty program. I found a handy A-Z list of loyalty programs (not just shoe stores) at Never Shopped Out.
Plan ahead: Buy classic styles at end-of-season clearances. Rescu. loves the David Jones half yearly clearance sale for designer shoes and you can register online for their newsletters and have pre-alerts sent right into your inbox.
Purchase overseas: Consider purchasing shoes when travelling to countries like HK and Singapore. In my opinion, shoes make better souvenirs than ‘dust-catchers’.
