Yesterday I wrote about the secret to stacking discounts when you shop online. If you happen to find a manufacturer’s rebate you could be stacking up to 5 discounts at once! Sometimes it doesn’t feel worth the hassle, especially on smaller purchases, and I get that. It all depends on how much those extra dollars mean to you and how much time you have to put the discount pieces together.
Today, I’ll show you a simpler way to save, and we’ll focus on active wear, and outdoor gear. There are only a couple steps with this strategy because it hinges more on WHERE you shop, rather than what discounts you stack, although, I will include tips on stacking discounts too, when available.
Getting a good price starts with choosing the right place. I love fashionable active wear – it helps you feel a little bit put together even when your makeup is melting off your face and you smell like a wet dog! Hey! At least your clothes are cute!
So here is a short list of some of the stores at which I can find affordable active wear. To appear on the list the store must provide active wear that is…
1. Inexpensive (before any additional discounts are taken)
2. Good quality (you can get at least a couple years’ wear out of them)
These sites are in no particular order:
thredUp.
High quality brands including Lululemon, Athleta, Victoria’s Secret, North Face, Burberry, Frye, Patagonia, REI, etc, that are in like-new or brand new condition. That’s right, thredUp is a 2nd hand clothing store and they have really strict standards. When you buy at thredUp, their price is already more than 50% off its original price. Of course, it’s not technically brand new, but if you don’t mind that then you can get some screamin’ deals on expensive brands.
- Sign up here- http://www.thredup.com/r/6UHCYH to get $10 off coupon.
- Activate EBATES 2.5% back. Sign up here.
- Shop online! (thredUp prices are already 50% or more off)
theClymb.
They get a limited amount of extremely discounted outdoor brands. Activewear and gear for all kinds of outdoor pursuits like snowboarding/skiing, kayaking, biking, fishing, backpacking, etc. The good stuff goes fast and sometimes they even have extra promo code discounts available.
- Their prices are typically 50% off original prices, but they do offer occasional promo codes.
- Sign up for theClymb here, and get $10 off.
Sierra Trading Outpost.
Another one of my favorites. All kinds of deals on outdoor gear and clothing that are closeouts, 2nds, or overstock. They carry so many brands and frequently run great promo codes for an additional 30 or 40% off their already extremely discounted prices. Some of my favorite purchases from them include Chaco flip-flops for $23 (normally around $60) and real sheepskin/leather slippers for $12!
REI Outlet.
Need I explain? Great prices on quality gear, especially if you are shopping for some obscure piece of equipment like climbing pulleys.
- Become a member here.
- Use a discounted REI gift card.
Backcountry.
Go straight to the outlet! Much like REI Outlet, you’ll find gear and clothes for camping, backpacking, biking, climbing, etc. *4% Back through EBATES.
Altrec.
Again, go find the best deals in the outlet, not the regular storefront. Similar products as Backcountry and REI.
6pm.com
This is where zappos.com sends it’s products when they can no longer be sold at full price. Imagine the plethora of goods that Zappos offers and that is exactly what you’ll find here. I can find deals here on high end brands like Frye and Patagonia when they can’t be found on sale anywhere else.
Activewear has gotten much more stylish and practical in the past couple years. With more advances in form and function, it means even the companies that don’t specialize in fitness and outdoor clothes, now make totally acceptable, good quality apparel. Once upon a time you could only find the most desired features in expensive brands. Now they are commonplace across all prices. Which means you don’t have to pay top dollar for a waterproof breathable coat. And even Walmart carries basic quick dry workout wear by well-known and trusted brands like Avia and Danskin.
If you are not interested in gear but just looking for cheap and cute workout clothes, check out these options and don’t forget to stack your discounted gift card, promo code, and sale to maximize your discounts:
H&M. Around national holidays they do some pretty awesome sales. Their sizes seem to run small to me, so I go a size up.
* I’ve seen H&M discounted gift cards go for 30% off
* Did you know? You can donate a grocery store bag of clothes/towels/sheets to receive a 15 or 20% coupon, then use it for your same day purchase.
Old Navy. You already know what they have- trendy workout clothes and casual wear.
Forever 21. doesn’t always have the best quality but I do think their workout clothes are made a little better than their other departments. Lots of strappy sports bra tops and leggings with pockets for your phone or other tech.
Target and other superstores. I love Target, mainly for the cheap on trend home décor. But they also have cute, practical workout clothes, too. Don’t overlook these superstore retailers and always check that clearance rack first.
Okay, I think you get the idea. The equation varies slightly for each retailer, but you are generally just looking to stack as many of these strategies as possible:
- Shop at a retailer that specializes in discounted products (overstock, close-outs, 2nds, etc.).
- Discounted gift card….DON’T FORGET TO ACTUALLY USE IT.
- Activate EBATES (online only, and only works on the portion of your purchase not paid for by gift card).
- Use a promo code.
- Combine it with another promotion if possible.
I like to be perfectly transparent with all my readers so you should know that this article has some affiliate links. I only have affiliate links to companies that I myself trust and love and use. I do not ever recommend products that I do not believe in. Not all links in this post are affiliates, either. Some links are informational only, meant to help you make an informed decision. My mission is to write a blog full of integrity and to be a helpful and encouraging source of knowledge.
What are your favorite online retailers that offer good quality active wear at low prices? I’m especially interested in those that specialize in discounted gear. Leave a note in the comments!
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