Zannee’s Blog at BargainsLA.com

I have been doing a lot more than bargain shopping and researching this last week. Hubby’s British cousins are in town visiting and we’ve been hanging out with them. It’s been pretty cool hanging with family with a completely different view of the world. Lots of laughing, chatting, drinking more tea than usual and such.

Somewhere in the many conversations we had they asked if I knew about some of the great bargain shopping / sample sales in the UK. “Heck no!” But then my curiosity got the better of me and I started snooping around the net to see what I could dig up.

In North West England….

Tel: 01282 420333
M65 J8, A6068

A thriving mill store, Barden Mill has over 25,000 sq ft of retail, men’s, ladies and children’s wear, as well as home furnishing, bedding, towels, fabric, gifts and books at up to 50% off RRP ( Regular Retail Price).

Tel: 01282 865229
Burnley Road, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 8LS

One of the largest clearance stores in Britain, this branch of Boundary Mill Stores covers more than 100,000 square feet with over 300 quality brands. Alexon, Windsmoor, Jaeger, Austin Reed, Eastex, Planet, Kaliko, Jacques Vert and Liz Claiborne. Men’s labels include: Austin Reed, Centaur, Haggar, Farah, Jaeger, Pierre Cardin and John Smedley.
French Connection, Ben Sherman, Elle and Mexx, Clarks , Hush Puppies and Pavers, amongst others. A Marks & Spencer outlet is also located in this building. Everything is 30%-70% less than regular stores.

The home store sells brand name home furnishings, glass & china including Dorma, Christy, Yves Delorme, Denby, Dartington Crystal, Portmeirion, Royal Worcester, Villeroy & Boch and Wedgwood

Tel: 01282 612193
Park Mill, Halstead Lane, Barrowford, Nelson, Lancs, BB9 6HJ

The East Lancs Towel Company Ltd manufacture high quality, luxury Cotton, Bamboo and Linen and Roller towels. Buying factory direct gives customers premium shop quality at affordable prices… about 30%-50% off. They offer an embroidery services.

Tel: 01253 877377
Freeport Outlet Village, Anchorage Road,Fleetwood
J3 of the M55, then the A585 to Fleetwood

Over 45 outlet shops to choose from offering up to 60% OFF rrp on a host of famous brands.

In London….
If you’re traveling to London, it has more than it’s fair share of bargain shopping hot spots. I found decent listings and information at:

http://www.londononline.co.uk/local/Shopping/Discount_Shops/
http://www.talkingcities.co.uk/london_pages/shopping_main.htm
http://www.visitlondon.com/attractions/shopping/whats-new-shop

If you’re into Sample sales (and who isn’t?) try book marking or signing up for emails at the following websites:

http://www.dailycandy.com/london/
http://www.stylebible.com/
http://www.myfashionlife.com/tag/sample-sales
http://www.orlakiely.com/shopping/?subcat=samplesales
http://www.fuk.co.uk/

Since I am a Southern California gal, thousands of miles away from the British Isles, consider these links a starting point. I would love to get more inside scoop so if you know of more bargain shopping /sample sale sources in the UK, send them along.

Cheerio!

This should be one hot sale with additional discounts of 50% off on fashion items already priced at 40%-70% off. Don’t miss it! Read More about Last Chance

Some shopping forays backfire and I walk away empty handed. Last Saturday bombed for bargain shopping. First I was exhausted from the previous night’s Harry Potter Party. Who knew it would run til 3am? Then the first sale I went to, the Stila Warehouse Sale had a bunch of you standing in a very long line in the summer sun to get in. Everyone looked rather irritated, and hot, so I decided to go back later. I went around the corner to The Frame Club to pick up some prints I had framed and chew the fat with the ever fun owner Alana. I went back to the Stila Warehouse Sale an hour later and still a long line. Drats!

Okay, I can wait this out…. so I went and checked out a couple of nearby bargain sources, It’s a Wrap and Second Debut. I totally struck out… guess I was not in the mood for trying on clothes. I finally went back to the Stila Warehouse sale again at 3pm to try one more time to get in quickly…. I mean, come on, a long line- all day long!?  Impossible, Unheard of!  But the long line was still there.

I did get a couple of e-mails from those of who stuck it out and braved the sun and heat to walk away with tons of great stuff. Sadly, not I… my fair Irish skin would not hold up. That was a disappointment.  Hopefully next year they’ll hold the sale over two days and it will be cloudy.

I ended Saturday by finishing the last Harry Potter book…. Outstanding, it’s the best of the lot.

Thankfully after a good night sleep, Sunday went much better.  I bagged a totally cool silk kimono top at Lucky You sales event for a pittance… just $7 bucks! Some shopping days are better than others.