Prada and Gucci and Coach. Whew. Admit it: Just envisioning yourself decked out in designer-label glory is enough to make you giddy — that is, until the sticker shock sets in.
Everyone knows such luxury brands can come with a hefty price tag, but savvy label shoppers also know it's possible to snag name-brand goodies for a fraction of the cost, if you know where to look — and look often.
Locally, stores such as Ross Dress For Less and TJ Maxx are treasure troves for brand-name items that can be discounted 60 percent or more below department store prices. That includes some of the most recognizable designer labels, such as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.
The trick to finding the deals: Look closely. Sometimes the most impressive finds are hiding among a mishmash of merchandise. The other trick: Browse the stores' racks frequently.
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Off-price retailers are able to keep prices low by buying closeout merchandise directly from vendors. That might include items that are at the end of their run or that come in an incomplete assortment of sizes or colors. Stores often get new shipments of merchandise several times a week, and no two retailers receive identical collections.
"No two stores are the same," said Laura McDowell, a spokeswoman for TJ Maxx. "Every day's a good day to shop, because it's always a new store."
Tucsonan Althea Durree, 55, said she visits Ross two to three times a week to shop for designer jackets, tops and shoes, using magazines as her guide to the latest styles.
Durree, who once managed an upscale boutique, said she found a jacket that cost $300 in her store for about $30 at Ross.
"I come here all the time. You have to visit often," she said.
Outlet stores are another place to find great bargains on high-end merchandise. In Tucson, the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet store, Off 5th, carries upscale brands like Juicy Couture, True Religion, Prada and Coach for as much as 40 percent to 70 percent less than their original prices.
We recently set out in search of designer deals. Here's what we found.
WHERE TO SHOP
For deals on brand-name and designer items — from clothing and accessories to housewares — check out the following Tucson locations:
• Ross – 5550 E. Grant Road; 3485 E. Broadway; 7475 N. La Cholla Blvd.; 4425 N. Oracle Road; 7250 E. Broadway; 1165 W. Irvington Road; 9600 E. 22nd St.;10575 N. Oracle Road.
• TJ Maxx – 6337 E. Broadway; 6230 N. Oracle Road.
• Off 5th (Foothills Mall) – 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
• Marshalls – 7900 N. Oracle Road; 1167 W. Irvington Road.
• Stein Mart – 4881 N. Stone Ave.
• Tuesday Morning (gifts and home goods) – 3981 E. Grant Road; 2982 W. Ina Road; 7667 E. Speedway.
