Those who have been careful with their money this year can have a post-holiday feast with the choice pickings in the January sales. Eoin Lyons sources a few hot buys.
Most retailers are slow to admit that the past few months have not been quite as profitable as the same period last year. Which of course is good news for those with money to spend at the January sales, most of which start today. Many reductions will be substantial as stock is offloaded before next season's arrives. So, much of the clothing in this year's sales are not strictly leftovers of the season but great clothes which, for whatever reason, have not sold.
The way to find these great clothes and avoid the duds is to approach sales shopping in two ways. The first is to buy practical items like coats, knitwear, trousers or shirts. The second is to go the luxury route: the designer dress or suit that seemed so expensive at the start of the season just might be half price now.
Making this distinction between necessities and dream clothes will help clarify what it is you actually need before you set out. Elaine Curtis in Carlow believes shoppers should take advantage of evening wear reductions in particular. "Basics can be got inexpensively throughout the year, so focus on special things you might not usually buy."
Nicki Creedon of Havana agrees. "Think of what you will want to wear at night - like on New Year's Eve - but stay away from clothes that will be easily identified with this season. Even if bought in a sale, you should be able to wear something next winter without looking out of fashion." Ann Demeulemeester's sequined tulle wrap skirt, down from €629 to €450 at Havana, is a case in point.
Whatever about party dressing, also remember that we have several more months of cold weather still ahead, so a winter coat is a good sale buy, as the best are often very expensive. At Brown Thomas, coats by Louise Kennedy and Anne Klein have been reduced by up to 40 per cent. At Costume, Tracy Tucker recommends using sale discounts to build up your existing winter wardrobe with separates; she has reduced an Isabel Marant black wool top from €85 to €50.
Also, look out for day clothes that will cross into the spring season. A number of Suki & Nic's cotton cowboy shirts have been reduced from €155 to €77.50 at Urbana in Blackrock and Greystones and work in summer as well as winter.
Whatever you buy, remember that lower price should not mean lower quality.
However, the same consumer rights apply during a sale as the rest of the year. Under the Sales of Goods and Supply of Services Act goods can be returned if there is an actual fault; but if the consumer has a change of heart, or the dress turns out not to match your shoes, it is down to the retailer's own shop policy.Airwave: Wicklow Street, Stillorgan and Bloomfield Shopping Centres, Dublin
Sale starts today at 11 a.m. Reductions include Naf Naf wool coat with fur collar down from €199 to €99, black and white tweed coat from €359 to €179.
Allicano: Johnson Place, Dublin
Sale starts today at noon. Reductions include bias silk skirt down from €229 to €159, crochet coat from €239 to €167, velvet dress from €339 to €237.
A/Wear: Countrywide
Sale starts today at 9.30 a.m. Reductions include wool coats down from €100 to €50, suede coats from €120 to €60, Quin & Donnelly check jackets from €170 to €100.
Ashley Reeves: Stillorgan, Dundrum and Rathfarnham, Dublin shopping centres
Sale starts today at 9.30 a.m. Reductions include 50 per cent off Basler and Olsen.
Aura: Sandymount Road, Dublin
Sale starts tomorrow at 9.30 a.m. Reductions include Noa Noa Chinese silk coat down from €179 to €90, Scaglione cashmere knits from €300 to €180.
Arnotts: Henry Street, Dublin
Sale starts tomorrow at 9 a.m. Reductions in womenswear include Henry White coats down from €359 to €251, Kasper suits from €465 to €275; reductions in menswear include one third off Michael Mortell and Nautica coats, up to 50 per cent off men's knitwear.
Brown Thomas: Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick
Sale sarts today at 9 a.m. Reductions in womenswear include up to 50 per cent off Prada, Gucci, and YSL. In menswear, up to 50 per cent off Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Helmut Lang. Between 30 and 40 per cent off Irish designers including Lainey Keogh, Louise Kennedy and Paul Costelloe.
Beth East Douglas Village, Cork
Sale already started. Reductions include Paul Smith shirt down from €420 to €250, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti military coat from €795 to €450, Caractère blazer from €320 to €210.
Blue: Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin
Sale starts January 3rd at 10 a.m. Reductions include Arma sheepskin jacket down from €965 to €675, Bastioni boots from €289 to €199.
Carl Scarpa: Branches countrywide
Sale starts today at 9 a.m. Reductions include wool coats down from €325 to €160, boots from €160 to €99.
Chica: Westbury Mall, Dublin
Sale starts today at 1.30 p.m.
Clothes Peg: Sutton Cross, Dublin
Sale starts today at noon. Reductions include Antonia Campbell Hughes chiffon top from €220 to €110, Paul Smith suit from €1,100 to €500, Suki & Nic velvet jacket down from €330 to €198.
Clics: Main Street, Naas
Sale starts tomorrow at 10 a.m. Half-price reductions include Basler trouser suits and Jobis camel trouser suits.
Clarks: Branches countrywide
Sale already started. Reductions of between 30 and 50 per cent.
Clerys: O'Connell Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 9 a.m. Reductions include Philip Treacy hats down from €175 to €122, Watercolours satin trousers from €99 to €59, Regine wool coats from €467 to €280.
Cobou: Pearse Street, Ballina, Mayo
Sale starts today at 11 a.m. Reductions include Betty Jackson tweed coat down from €1,000 to €500, Roisin Linnane chiffon two-piece from €600 to €300, Miriam Mone jacket, bustier and skirt from €710 to €350.
Costume: Castle Market, Dublin
Sale starts today at noon. Reductions include tweed coat down from €260 to €130 and tote bags from €150 to €75, 30 per cent off Et Vous suits.
Debenhams: Jervis Shopping Centre, Dublin
Sale starts today at 9 a.m. Reductions of between 30 and 50 per cent in menswear and womenswear.
The Design Centre: Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin
Sale starts today at 11.00 a.m. Reductions include Helen McAlinden sheepskin jacket down from €895 to €620, John Rocha cashmere coat from €629 to €440, Philip Treacy hat from €375 to €260. Helen Cody and Joanne Hynes also reduced.
The Dressing Room: Emmet Place, Cork
Sale already started. Reductions include Chloé blouse down from €279 to €139, Paddy Campbell cossack-style shirts from €315 to €79.
Dublin Woollen Mills: Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin
Sale starts today at 11 a.m. Reductions include Margaret Ryan full-length knit coat down from €550 to €275, Deirdre Fitzgerald appliqué cardigan from €269 to €134.
Diana Donnelly: Bull Ring, Wexford
Sale starts tomorrow at 9.30 a.m. Reductions include wool trouser suits down from €459 to €340, wool jackets from €599 to €350, cashmere sweaters from €279 to €195.
Diffney for Men: Outlets throughout Dublin city and county
Sale starts today at 11.30 a.m. Bugatti raincoats reduced from €279 to €199, business suits from €299 to €179, sports jackets from €225 to €159.
Elaine Curtis: Tullow Street, Carlow
Sale starts tomorrow at 9.30 a.m. Reductions include up to 50 per cent off Leigh and Antonia Campbell Hughes separates, Helen James accessories and Prêt a Partir coats. Sahza sheepskin coat reduced from €1,900 to €950.
Escada: Grafton Street, Dublin.
Sale starts today at 9.30 a.m. All stock reduced by 30 to 70 per cent.
F.X. Kelly: Grafton Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Reductions include Stephens Brothers shirts down from €99.50 to €59.50, wool coats from €199 to €159.
Fitzpatricks: Grafton Street, Dublin
Sale already started. Current reductions in women's footwear include 50 per cent off Gucci boots and Charles Jordan shoes, 20 per cent off men's Church, Bruno Magli and Sergio Rossi shoes.
Galvin For Men: William Street, Tullamore
Sale starts tomorrow at 9 a.m. Boss suits reduced to €380, Gant shirts to €69, Ralph Lauren jackets to €115.
Gentlemen Please: Glasthule Village, Sandycove, Dublin
Sale starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. Reductions include Michael Mortell suits down from €395 to €295, Reporter knits from €150 to €100.
Havana: Donnybrook Road, Dublin
Sale starts today at 10.30 a.m. Reductions include Lainey Keogh knits down from €585 to €350, Ann Demeulemeester coat down from €1,069 to €695. Fifty per cent off cashmere knits.
Jermyn Street: Dawson Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Business shirts reduced from €79 to €39, 30 per cent off Hilditch & Key shirts, silk ties half price, down to €29.
Jo Duggan: William Street, Kilkenny
Sale starts today at 1 p.m. Up to 50 per cent off Leigh, Betty Barclay, Suki & Nic, Caractere, Antonia Campbell Hughes and Natalie Garcon.
John Taylor: Upper Baggot Street, Dublin Sale starts today at 9.30 a.m. Wool overcoats reduced from €275 to €195, 50 per cent off many jackets, €130 off Louis Feraud suits.
Kalu: Main Street, Naas, Co Kildare
Sale starts January 3rd at 10 a.m. Reductions include Whistles sheepskin coat down from €1509 to €1055, Roberto Cavalli jacket from €709 to €495, Lynn Marr coat from €569 to €285.
Karen Millen: Powerscourt Centre and Clerys Dublin, also Cork and Limerick
Sale starts today at 11 a.m. Reductions of between 30 and 50 per cent.
Kennedy McSharry Nassau Street, Dublin Sale starts today at 1p.m. Suits from €250, shirts from €30, knitwear half price.
Khan: Blackrock, Dublin
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Reductions include John Rocha grey trouser suit down from €795 to €350, Pianoforte di Max Mara black tuxedo suit from €795 to €350, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti black coat from €995 to €500.
Kilkenny: Naussau Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 9 a.m. 25 per cent off Louise Kennedy, Aideen Bodkin and Yellohammer.
Kookai: Branches countrywide
Sale starts today at 11 a.m. Reductions include ethnic patterned skirt down from €99 to €49, tunic blouse from €64 to €32.
Lara: Dame Lane, Dublin
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Womenswear reductions include Hugo Boss coat from €649 to €449, Versace Sport coat from €535 to €395, Replay jeans from €110 to €75.
Les Jumelles: Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Reductions include Louise Kennedy black suit down from €925 to €740, Betty Jackson sheepskin coat from €2410 to €1928.
Louis Copeland: Wicklow Street, Capel Street and Pembroke Street, Dublin, Merchants Rd, Galway.
Sale starts today at 9 a.m. Reductions include 30 per cent off Ralph Lauren suits, business suits from €295 and up to 50 per cent off casual wear from Burberry, Lacoste, Polo RL.
Magee @ McSharry: Wicklow Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 11 a.m. €100 off suits, €70 off jackets, €70 off coats.
Monaghans: Royal Hibernian Way, Dublin
Sale starts today at 9 a.m. Reductions include Camel cotton jackets down from €250 to €175, Bugatti cashmere overcoats down from €300 to €225.
Monica John: South Anne Street, Dublin, French Church Street, Cork,
High Street, Bantry
Sale starts today at 9.30 a.m. Half-price reductions include Georges Rech trouser suits down from €960 to €480, Jane Morris leather jackets from €1000 to €500, 40 per cent off selected Annette Gortez knits.
Michael Barrie: Duke Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Suits reduced from €360 to €250, 50 per cent off Italian leathers and casual wear.
Miss E: Glasthule Road, Sandycove
Sale starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. Reductions include Roisin Gartland fur jacket down from €650 to €325, Patrick Mendes camel suit from €750 to €325.
Next: Branches countrywide
Sale starts today at 5 a.m. in most branches. Reductions include women's indigo jeans down from €56 to €28, men's black jackets from €110 to €56.
Nicky Wallace: South William Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at noon. All suits half price today only, €180 off coats, shirts from €30.
Oakes: South William Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Half-price reductions include short black velvet dress and long cream military-style coat.
Pamela Scott: Dublin city and suburbs, also Limerick
Sale starts today at 9.30 a.m. Up to 50 per cent off Betty Barclay, Gerry Weber and Bianca.
Pia Bang: Grafton Street, Dublin
Sale starts today 11.30 a.m. 30 to 50 per cent off everything in shop. Coats down €499 to €250, blouses from €89.95 to €45, trousers from €199.95 to €99, boots from €309 to €247 and shoes from €129 to €90.
Platform: South William Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at noon. 20 to 50 per cent off most stock, Munthe & Simenson embroidered coat down from €550 to €275, Quinte Colonna lace shirt from €295 to €150.
Principles: Branches countrywide
Sale already started. Reductions of up to 50 per cent.
Roches Stores: Branches countrywide
Sale starts tomorrow at 9 a.m. Up to 50 per cent off ladies' eveningwear and men's leather jackets.
Rococo: Westbury Mall, Dublin and Glasthule Road, Sandycove
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. Reductions include Betsey Johnson velvet coat down from €895 to €450, Stella Cadente wool dress coats from €349 to €175.
Richard Alan: South King Street, Dublin and Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork
Sale starts today at 9.30 a.m. Reductions include 30 per cent off Versace and Louis Feraud, 20 per cent off St John and Armani.
Richard Lewis: South Fredrick Street, Dublin
Sale starts Monday 30th at 10 a.m. Reductions of up to 50 per cent, silk skirts down from €690 to €300.
Sans Souci: Main Street, Malahide
Sale starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. Forty per cent off suits, dresses and evening wear.
Sasha: Branches countrywide
Sale starts today at 8 a.m. Reductions include coats down from €130 to €80, dresses from €59 to €29.
Shaws: Branches in Carlow, Kildare, Waterford, Limerick, Wexford, Kerry, Portlaoise, Dublin
Sale starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. Twenty-five per cent off Michael H, 20 per cent off mens D&G jackets, 25 per cent off ladies underwear.
Stephanie Lynch: Eyre Square, Galway
Sale starts today at 10 a.m. 50 per cent off all stock including Pianoforte di Max Mara black dress and shearling coats.
Soul Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Dublin Sale starts on January 6th at 10 a.m. Reductions include Emma Hope suede platform shoes down from €440 to €310, Robert Clergerie from €395 to €235.
Smock: Essex Street West, Temple Bar Sale starts tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. Reductions include Anne Sophie de Campos chiffon camisoles down from €140 to €70, Easton Pearson metal belts from €169 to €135.
Thomas Patrick: Grafton Street, Dublin Sale already started. Reductions in women's footwear include Gabor knee-high boots from €165 to €125 and 30 per cent off Alberto Bodoni. Reductions in men's shoes include 30 per cent off Bruno Magli.
Tulle: Georges Street Arcade, Dublin
Sale starts tomorrow at 10 a.m. Reductions include Mathew Williamson silk velvet waistcoat down from €610 to €425, Sylvia Rielle black coat from €399 to €230, Holly black tuxedo suit from €552 to €380.
Thomas Pink: Dawson Street, Dublin
Sale starts today ay 9 a.m. Selected ladies shirts reduced from €82 to €59, casual shirts from €80 to €59.
Urbana: Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin and Greystones, Wicklow
Sale starts today at noon. Reductions include LaPerla silk trouser suit down from €1,145 to €687, Cerrutti cashmere coat from €995 to €746, Suki & Nic short wool skirt from €195 to €117.
Uniques: Patrick Street, Limerick
Sale starts today at noon. 30 per cent off Lainey Keogh, 40 per cent off Crea Concept.
Vero Moda: Branches countrywide.
Sale already started. Reductions of between 30 and 50 per cent.
Vivien Walsh: Lower Stephen Street, Dublin
Sale starts today at 1 p.m. Reductions include Kalliste shoes down from €165 to €60, Karine Arabian leather bag from €295 to €95.
Warehouse: Branches countrywide
Sale already started. Reductions of up to 50 per cent.
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