20% off Gymboree Coupon in June/July Family Fun
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
May|27|2009
Gymboree Gymbucks enthusiast? I just found a 20% off coupon in the new June/July issue of Family Fun Magazine. It’s good thru August 2, but consider using it before July 16 (start date of next Gymbucks Redemption period).
MAJOR TIP: To get the most leverage out of this coupon, use it during the Gymbucks EARNING period. You won’t be able to combine it with a Gymbuck during the redemption period. But you can combine now by using an additional 20% off coupon during the Earning period and achieve the same overall result.
Generally, to optimize Gymbucks, you should buy sale items (at least 40% off, preferably 50 -60% off) on both Earning and Redemption. With Gymbucks, your true overall savings is an additional 25% off (not 50% like Gymboree advertises for Redemption) because you have to consider the Earning part of the equation, i.e. you have to earn a Gymbuck in order to redeem a Gymbuck.
Using an additional 20% off during the Earning period is just as valuable as it would be during the redemption period. And, while leveraging a Gymbuck together with an additional 20% off at the same time is very enticing, it won’t be allowed.
So, if you are making Gymboree purchases now w/o an additional 20% off coupon, you’re missing out on a rare opportunity to leverage multiple Gymboree promotions together.
Interested in more Gymboree Gymbucks tips? Here’s links to a 4 part series of articles we ran previously:
Using Gymbucks Part 1: The Rules
Using Gymbucks Part 2: The Strategy
Using Gymbucks Part 3: The Madness
Using Gymbucks Part 4: The Rewards (includes pdf example)
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Gymboree Circle of Friends: Our Top 4 Tips
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
May|12|2009
Gymboree Circle of Friends is one of the best opportunities all year to get some great deals at Gymboree. But, we encourage you not to be tempted by the new lines!
Read our tips below to get the most of this promotion May 14 – May 17. And don’t forget – you’ll be earning Gymbucks too for every $50 purchase!
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TIP 1:
Don’t have a Coupon? No worries. On-line codes are: GYMCIRLE, CFCIRCLE, and CFFRIEND. Or, if shopping in stores, click on the coupon image above to access a printable coupon.
TIP 2:
Don’t Stress: You don’t have to do all your shopping at once. Your unique coupon codes can only be used once (with Free shipping), but you can also use the generic on-line codes (w/o free shipping).
TIP 3:
Stay Up Late: Codes can be used at 12:01 a.m. EST on May 14. Shop early for the best selection on SALE items.
TIP 4:
Leverage coupon code on SALE items: To “outfit your kids for practically free”, you need to apply the concept of leverage. Use the Circle of Friends discount on SALE items. If you apply to 50-60% off items, your total savings will be 65-72%. To complete the “circle”, after your child grows out of the item, resell it on LoobaLee for 20-40% of the original value and you’ve worn it for practically free!
Example: Easily obtain a 65-72% total savings: 1) A $34 dress that is 60% off on Sale is $13.60. Take another 30% off (& Free shipping) and the item is now just $9.52. That’s 72% off original price). Resell your item on Loobalee for, e.g. 25% of original cost, $8.50. Wala! You’ve worn a beautiful dress for just $1.02 (You won’t beat that value shopping “big box” dept. stores!)
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Get on the list to join our upcoming LoobaLee Private Beta! Buy and sell your children’s clothing on-line and outfit your kids for virtually free.
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Pairing Spring Greens to Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Mar|17|2009
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! We noticed so many awesome “Spring Green” designs in children’s clothing this year that we wanted to celebrate by sharing some of our ideas with you.
Check out the palette below — and ‘Go Green’! We encourage mixing and matching. Mixing & Matching across lines can help you 1) get the best deals on a total outfit and 2) increase your outfit options. These spring greens are only about 25% off right now (if at all). But, if you wait a few more weeks, you’ll start seeing reductions to 40-50% and more.
Wearing Green in the Springtime is always a favorite. And this year, we’re even seeing several organic options too, e.g. from the Gap. Try Mixing & Matching items from these “spring green” lines together:
Janie & Jack + BabyGap
GapKids + Gymboree
Ralph Lauren + Hanna Andersson
– Get on the list to join our upcoming LoobaLee Private Beta! Buy and sell your children’s clothing on-line and outfit your kids for virtually free.
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3 Key Tips for Shopping the Boden End of Season Sale
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Dec|10|2008
First of all, the whole Boden website is on sale — but be careful, you may not be getting a better deal than recent promotions, such as $20 off an $80 purchase with free shipping and free returns. Johnnie drives a tricky sale:
- Shipping and Returns will be full cost, at your expense. Shipping is $10 flat rate. So, let’s do the math:
- Small orders are simply not a good value. If you have a $50 order, Shipping will be another 20% (there goes a lot of your savings!). If your order is under $50, your discount will likely be fully gobbled up by shipping charges.
- To pay no more than 10% of your order on additional shipping charges, you’ll need to spend at least $100. The more over $100 your order, the better you’ll do on your shipping to item price ratio.
- And, shop carefully, because if you have to make a return — that will be at your expense as well, and you could end up in the hole.
- TIP: If you wait until the Sale site merges with the Spring Preview site (coming in January), you will be able to add remaining Sale items to a Free Shipping & Returns promotion on new Spring merchandise.
- The items with the least remaining inventory will have the lowest discount rate, e.g. 25%. There isn’t a standard discount, rather, we have found it is based on the quantity of remaining inventory. As a result, most of the inventory will sell out at about the same rate.
- Higher demand inventory will still sell at the lower discount rates, while lower demand inventory will fly off the shelves at the higher discount rates.
- Look for the items with the most remaining inventory, which will be discounted 40 – 50% (or more). Remember, a 25% sale is not a great deal after you add on the shipping
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- The Original Price is not indicated on-line for many items – so, get out an old catalog and make sure you’re getting a good deal.
- Don’t trust that an item is a deal just because it has a Red Clearance price. The whole site is on sale! If an item doesn’t show the original price, be suspicious and look it up.
- Know your discounts and don’t be tricked by the Red price.
We recommend you buy only the things you really like and want now, but buy enough to get your order up to at least $100. Wait on everything else. Further discounts will be made on remaining inventory, and you can get the best deals on what’s left after the new Spring 2009 Preview merges with the main site.
Children’s Holiday Outfits: #5 – Plaid, Plaid, & More Plaid for Girls
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Nov|22|2008
For this 5th review in our series, we searched out the best deals on Plaid Dresses and Separates for Girls. Holiday time is the most popular time of year to see Plaids. And, this year, more so than we can remember in recent years — it’s everywhere.
And, not only is it everywhere, it’s used in both classic and trendy styles, comes a variety of rich Holiday color combos, and is seen on everything from the most basic of cottons to the finest silks. We fairly certain due to the popularity of plaid over the holidays that dressy plaid outfits will re-sell well during future holiday seasons.
A quick Wikipedia lesson: Plaid and Tartan are the same thing. “Plaid” is the American term for the tartan weaved fabric that originated in Scotland. Retailers will typically use “Tartan” to refer to the most classic plaid prints and color schemes.
Try these 6 tips for buying a tulle skirt now that will re-sell well later:
- Quality fabrics such as silks, finely-weaved cottons, light-weight wools, or cotton/wool blends. Avoid rayon and polyester blends.
- Fully lined and finely stitched.
- Added detail, such as smoking, velvet, buttons, and bows.
- Holiday colors: Reds & Cranberries, Greens, Navy or Blue, Black, White
- Designer brand names
- Dress & Skirt Lengths: Because plaid is fabric design, this depends on the design of the dress. Formal gowns are best below the knee. Jumpers are best at or above the knee. Skirts can also vary. We like the skirt with peeking tulle lining above the knee.
So, play with plaid — here’s what we found to help you find the perfect plaid outfit for your girls. Remember – prices, inventory, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below!
- BUY NOW:
- BabyGap – Nice selections in Tartan / Plaid for Toddler Girls. Most have already started to go on sale:
- Patchwork Plaid Party Dress: $34.99 (reg. $39.50)
- Tartan Plaid Party Dress: $29.99 (reg. $39.50)
- Plaid Bow Dress: $7.99 Best Buy (Buy it fast! reg. $39.50)
- GapKids
- Tartan Plaid Cami: $19.99 (reg. $29.50)
- Shirred Tartan Plaid Jacket: $44.99 (reg. $59.50)
- Tartan Plaid Party Dress: $34.99 (reg. $39.50)
- Lands End
- Girls Smocked Skirt: $9.99 Best Buy (reg. $34.50)
- Janie and Jack
- Plaid Silk Organza Dress: $43.50 Best Buy (reg. $78)
- Plaid Jumper (classic): $27.99 Best Buy (reg. $48)
- Gymboree
- For Baby Girls:
- Plaid Silk Dress: $29.59 Best Buy (reg. $49.50)
- Plaid Pleated Jumper: $19.59 (reg. $29.50)
- For Kid Girls: These are current prices, but watch for extra 20 – 30% discounts
- Plaid Silk Dress: $29.59 Best Buy (reg. $49.50)
- Plaid Pleated Jumper: $20.79 (reg. $34.50)
- Plaid Pleated Skirt: $17.59 (reg. $29.50)
- For Baby Girls:
- BabyGap – Nice selections in Tartan / Plaid for Toddler Girls. Most have already started to go on sale:
- WAIT . We loved each of these skirts, but recommend waiting and getting them on sale to optimize your re-sale opportunity.
- Hanna Andersson
- “See You At Seven” Plaid dress: $49.50 (If you missed this one at the Girl’s Dress Sale, we recommending waiting until it goes on sale again — which should be before Christmas)
- BabyGap
- Patchwork Plaid Party Skirt (with Tulle!): $29.50
- Plaid Ruffle Dress: $39.50
- GapKids
- Pintuked Plaid Top: $29.50
- Dressy Tartan Plaid Dress: $44.50
- Crewcuts
- Silk Taffeta Tartan Anastasia Dress: $228 (Divine, but expensive! Surprise linings of polka dot and tulle)
- Silk Taffeta Tartan Ninette Skirt: $228 (Ditto! This skirt has a fabulous peeking red tulle lining — so, it’s double-trend. See our Holiday Tulle Skirt recommendations too)
- Janie and Jack – These will go down further in price before the holidays
- Hand-Smocked Plaid Silk Dress: $66.99 (reg.$88)
- Plaid Toggle Jumper: $37.99 (reg. $48)
- Strasburg Children
- Holiday Plaid & Holiday Tartag lines: $143 – $157. (If you missed the 40% off sale earlier this season, wait now until they go on sale again).
- Garnet Hill
- Plaid Mini Kilt Skirt for Little & Big Girls: $55 (Very Nice – with velvet trim. Versatile enough for the holidays and all winter)
- Lands End
- Girls Tulle Hem Skirt: $49.50 (fabulous plaid print & style, but wait for the sales)
- Girls Plaid Jumper: $39.50 (This plaid jumper comes in 9 different prints, and is a nice, basic option for the “no frills” girl. Although, to optimize re-sale options, we’d recommend waiting for the sale)
- Burberry
- We can’t talk about plaid without mentioning Burberry– always a classic and their signature plaid will always re-sell well. It’s tough to find on sale now, however. But watch both Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, & the Burberry stores for future price reductions.
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- We can’t talk about plaid without mentioning Burberry– always a classic and their signature plaid will always re-sell well. It’s tough to find on sale now, however. But watch both Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, & the Burberry stores for future price reductions.
- Hanna Andersson
- CAUTION: These are sweet skirts, but will likely have low re-sale value:
- Children’s Place
- TCP has several choices in plaid-printed dresses and skirts for the holidays. Most are low-inventory now, and about 50% off. We think the “all-family plaid jumper” is the best bet.
- Old Navy
- Girls Belted Plaid Dress: $9.99 (reg. $26.50). This is a great price, though keep in mind it may not re-sell well on-line.
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- Children’s Place
- AVOID:
- Justice:
- There are several plaid jumpers available, and all on sale now too. Unfortunately, however, the color schemes are not “holiday” looking.
- Crazy8
- Metallic Plaid Jumper: $14.99 (reg. $24.50). Although a good price now, we suspect this dress won’t re-sell well next year. It doesn’t meet any of our re-sale criteria above.
- Unrecognizable brands from low to mid-range variety and deparment stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Mervyn’s, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Fields, and Macy’s.*
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- Justice:
- NOT AVAILABLE — We didn’t forget! These popular children’s retailers are not offering Plaid or Tartan designs this holiday season:
- LL Bean
- Abercrombie Kids
- Mini-Boden
- 77 Kids
- Limited Too
- Naartjie
Childrens Holiday Outfits #4: Boys Argyle Sweater Vest
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Nov|16|2008
For this 4th review in our series, we researched the classic argyle sweater vest — always in style. Argyle anything is a hot trend this season.
We specifically chose to narrow in on the Sweater Vest, as it is such an all-time great holiday piece. We like the vest better than an argyle sweater for its versatility and comfort. Dress it up or down. Pair with a turtleneck, button down shirt, or even a nice crew neck tee. And, they look great under a sportcoat or blazer. Accessorize with any type of tie to dress up.
Here are 3 sure tips for buying a boys sweater vest now that you can re-sell in the future:
- Quality, comfortable fabrics (e.g. non-itchy). Try fine cottons, cotton-cashmere blends, cashmere, merino, etc.
- Traditional holiday colors — steer away from trendy, unusual combinations. Try reds, greens, navy/blues, grays, blacks.
- V-Necks are more popular than crew-necks and will likely re-sell better
- Designer brand names*
Here’s our recommendations. We actually didn’t find as many options as we expected, and inventory is also running low. Remember – prices, inventory, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below!
- BUY:
- Crewcuts
- Boys Westen Argyle Sweater Vest (shown at right) – $29.50 (reg. $48.00)
- Boys Cotton-Cashmere Duke Sweater Vest $19.99 (reg. $52.00)
- Boys Cashmere Argyle Sweater Vest – $98.00
- BabyGap
- Toddler Argyle Sweater Vest - $24.50
- Gymboree
- For Big Boys:
- Argyle Sweater Vest (shown second at right)- $17.99 (reg. $28.50)
- For Big Boys:
- Strasburg Children
- Boys Red or Green Argyle Sweater Vest – $34.50 (reg. $57.00)
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- Boys Red or Green Argyle Sweater Vest – $34.50 (reg. $57.00)
- Crewcuts
- WAIT . We loved each of these skirts, but recommend waiting and getting them on sale to optimize your re-sale opportunity.
- Crewcuts
- Boys Haven Argyle Sweater Vest (shown 3rd at right) – $49.50
- Boys Cashmere Argyle Sweater Vest – $98.00
- Boutique Brands: As usual, we recommend waiting for the boutique sales vs. paying full price now. And, we did find several options available. Watch for brands such as:
- E-Land Kids
- Kenneth Cole
- Cotton Blu
- Nick Nack Patty Wack
- Goodlad
- Glorimont Boys
- Hartstrings *
- Crewcuts
- CAUTION: These are some nice-looking styles, but the original price point and quality may not net you much of a profit on the re-sale market.
- Children’s Place
- Argyle Sweater Vest for Baby Boys – $9.99 (reg. $14.50)
- Argyle Sweater Vest for Big Boys – $14.99 (reg. $19.50)
- Crazy8
- Dressy Sweater Vest for Boys – $12.99 (reg. $18.50)
- Argyle Sweater Vest for Boys – $9.99 (reg. $16.50)
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- Children’s Place
- AVOID:
- Unrecognizable brands from low to mid-range variety and deparment stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Mervyn’s, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Fields, and Macy’s.*
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- Unrecognizable brands from low to mid-range variety and deparment stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Mervyn’s, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Fields, and Macy’s.*
- NOT AVAILABLE — We didn’t forget! These popular children’s retailers are either sold out or not offering a classic argyle vest this season.
- Hanna Andersson
- LL Bean
- Abercrombie Kids
- Mini-Boden
- Naartjie
- Garnet Hill
- GapKids
- Lands End
- Janie and Jack
- 77 Kids
- Old Navy
Children’s Holiday Outfits: #3 – The Tulle Skirt
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Nov|7|2008
For this 3rd review in our series, we researched one of this year’s hottest trends – the Tulle Party Skirt, also called the “Tutu” skirt.
The fun thing about this skirt is the variety of options available. You’ll find everything from silk to denim, from velvet to corduroy, from patchwork to plaid, and from metallics to chiffon pinks. But, one thing they all have in common — they make are a great foundation for a festive, feminine party outfit.
The skirt pairs well with most anything: sweaters, blouses, blazers, vests, sparkly tops. In fact, the less the top “matches” the better. They are totally fun, and totally in!
Try these 6 tips for buying a tulle skirt now that will re-sell well later:
- Quality fabrics such as silks, velvets (vs. velveteen), and chiffons (vs. polyesters) or fabrics with added sheen, lurex, or sparkle
- Finely stitched hemlines
- Added details like satin ribbons and stitched on beads or sequins
- At least 2 full skirt layers (vs. a stitched in tulle hem)
- Designer brand names
- Lengths recommended in Tulle skirts for girls is opposite our Dress recommendation:
- For Babies & Little Girls: Short, above the knee, which is most reminiscent of a tutu dance skirt (and looks great with leggings for a casual look)
- For Older Girls: A longer skirt, to the knee, adds the perfect touch of sophistication to this otherwise younger style
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Here’s our recommendations on one of this year’s hottest holiday trends for girls – the Tulle skirt. Remember – prices, inventory, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below!
- BUY:
- Hanna Andersson
- Dreaming Of A Dance Tutu: Now $30 (Reg. $35)
- Crewcuts
- Tulle Pixie Ballet Skirt in Various Colors: $45 (try to get this at least 20 – 30% off)
- BabyGap
- Black Velvet Party Skirt Skirt for Babies: now $19.99 (reg. $24.50)
- Patchwork Plaid Party Skirt: $29.50
- Tier Tulle Skirt in Gold: $29.50
- Black Velvet Party Skirt for Toddlers: $29.50
- Ruffle Tulle Party Skirt in Metalic Silver: now $24.99 (reg. $29.50)
- GapKids
- Tartan Party Skirt: now $29.99 (reg. $34.50)
- Party Skirt in Black or Russian Red: now $24.99 (reg. $29.50)
- Gymboree
- For Baby Girls:
- Red Tulle Skirt: $19.99 (reg. $26.50)
- Pink Glitter Tulle Skirt: $28.50
- Berry Tulle Skirt: $28.50
- For Kid Girls: Read the rest of this entry »
- For Baby Girls:
- Hanna Andersson
Children’s Holiday Outfits: #2 – The Classic Red Sweater for Boys
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Nov|6|2008
This month, we’re reviewing 2008 trends for dressing your children this coming holiday season.
For our second review in this series, we searched for the perfect, classic red Christmas sweater for boys – always a sure winner. We found some great sweaters to consider this season in every price range.
Again, Red is for Resale – And try these 4 tips for buying the red Christmas sweater to optimize your resale opportunity:
- Fine fabrics like cashmere, lambswool, merino, and fine gauge fade-resistant cottons.
- Buy designer brand names
- Color is king! Look for lush, true red Christmas colors. Generally, your more expensive sweaters and finer fabrics will have and sustain better color.
- Necklines in both V or Crewneck are most popular, but button cardigans, shawl collars, roll neck collars, and zip or half-zip all have good resale opportunity as well – if designer quality.
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Here’s our recommendations for this year’s red Christmas sweaters — for baby, little, and big boys. Remember – prices, stock, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below! And, refer back to our bi-weekly Sales At A Glance article for all the current sales promotions.
- BUY:
- 77 Kids
- Cable Neck V for Toddlers: $24.50. Although we aren’t sure how well 77 Kids will re-sell, this looks like a stylish basic sweater that will outlast trends.
- Crewcuts
- Boys Rollneck Sweater in Holiday Red: Just $29.50 (Take care not to over wash if you plan to re-sell)
- Boys Lambswool Crewneck Sweater in Vivid Red: $54 (Wait a couple weeks — this may go on sale)
- Boys Shawl Collar Sweater in Holiday Red: $39.50 (reg: $49.50)
- Boys Cotton Cashmere Cardigan in Vivid Red: Best Buy! $39.50 (reg: $68) NOTICE: We think this one may have sold out already since yesterday! But, watch on-line, we have also noticed that the Crewcuts sale section is a bit haphazardly managed and it will possibly re-appear.
- Childrens Place
- V-Neck sweater for Little Boys: $12.50. Wow – this is an unbelievable price. We didn’t expect a ‘find’ at the Children’s Place to make our BUY list. This sweater may actually have pretty good resale value for the brand. The color appears rich and the style is classic.
- And, the same is available for Big Boys: $14.50
- BabyGap - we love the Russian Red color this season!
- Cable Knit Sweater Hoodie: $29.50
- Sherpa Mock Sweater: $34.50
- GapKids
- Uniform V-Neck: $24.50 (take care with washing)
- Gymboree
- Use a 20% off coupon, or buy during upcoming Circle of Friends sale to save an additional 30% on top of these current 25% off sale prices: Read the rest of this entry »
- 77 Kids
Children’s Holiday Outfits: #1 – The Classic Red Dress
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Nov|2|2008
Stop back throughout this month for reviews and recommendations on 2008 trends for dressing your children this holiday season. For each review, we’ll select a popular style and help you find the best values, designs, and quality.
For our first installment, we review the classic red christmas dress for girls. We checked all the common kids clothing websites and a few extras too.
‘Red is for Resale’ – but what works best? Try these 6 tips for buying the red christmas dress to optimize your resale opportunity:
- Plush fabrics like velvets, silks, and velours
- Fine detailing such as brocade, smocking, elegant buttons or bows, and faux fur
- Designer brand names
- True Christmas color – stay with true reds and cranberry colors
- Lengths:
- Sleeve length – Any
- Babies, Toddlers, all Girls: dress lengths between knee and ankle
- Older Girls: dress lengths above the knee will also sell
- Accessories: Red is a hard color to match. Consider buying the matching accessories with, such as tights. Or, plan to accessorize with classic white, cream, or black.
Here’s our recommendations on this year’s classic red Christmas Dresses. Remember – prices, stock, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below!
- BUY:
- Hanna Andersson – BEST BUY through today! Hanna Andersson dresses are at the top of our list, as they consistently re-sell well. Buy now during this week’s Dress sale, or possibly get on sale in late November / early December
- Little Red Dress for Babies & Girls: This ever-popular snowflake and fur-trimmed dress is again available this season – Just $29 this week
- Pretty as a Picture Pincord Dress for Babies: Just $19 this week
- Love to Twirls Velour Dress for Babies & Girls: Just $29 this week Read the rest of this entry »
- Hanna Andersson – BEST BUY through today! Hanna Andersson dresses are at the top of our list, as they consistently re-sell well. Buy now during this week’s Dress sale, or possibly get on sale in late November / early December
Lands End – An Unbelievable Guarantee!
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Oct|25|2008
In browsing through our latest Lands End catalog, we came across this attention-grabbing guarantee.
While we knew Lands End had an above average return policy, we didn’t know it was this good!
At LoobaLee we often recommend buying kids clothing 8-12 months ahead of schedule, i.e. at the end of a season when you can get the deepest discounts. Many people struggle with this idea, out of fear of buying the wrong size or styles.
But, obviously at Lands End, this shouldn’t be an issue. There will be no problems returning an item a full year later (or even longer) for any reason.
The taxi pictured here with their guarantee was on the cover of their 1984 Holiday Catalog. It was purchased by a customer for $19,000. Recently, in 2005, the buyers expressed interest in returning Read the rest of this entry »
