If you do find that some items at a store that uses something like this constant sale strategy are actually worth what is being charged for them, and if you are still quite satisfied with their quality, then by all means shop there. My point is that you not be suckered into buying something simply because it seems like a deal. That is not smart shopping. You might have been able to find a superior alternative elsewhere for a better price.
A real sale offers actual discounts from what a store needs to charge in order to make a profit above the production price of the high quality materials and construction of their items. They try to sell all of the inventory for a season before the end of that season at full price. Then at season's end, they drop their prices to try and make at least some money off of everything remaining. That is a real sale. Stores often also have brief sales at the beginning of the season (usually not as good as at the end) or for holidays to get people in and buying for the season. Take your time - which make take as much as a couple of annual cycles - getting to know the legitimate sales of high quality companies.
If the only reason to buy an item is its being on sale - even for a legitimate sale, you should not buy it. You should only buy an item of clothing because it fulfills a well thought-out role in your overall wardrobe. If it is also on sale, that makes it all the better. You decide on the item you need first, then look for the good deal. You do not see the good deal and then try to convince yourself that this item will serve you well in your wardrobe (unless, of course, it really will). Just buying things because they are on sale or, worse, because they seem like they are on sale is the path to a closet full of unworn items and a lot of wasted money.
The same need for caution applies to "outlet" stores and malls. Once upon a time, outlets sold the same items as the retail stores at great discounts because they were from last season, flawed in some way or for other reasons. Now most outlet stores are selling cheaper, lower quality clothes designed and made specifically for those outlet stores. That is, they are not selling their regular items at a discount, they are selling specially-made cheap items for what they are worth. They are just another deceptive marketing strategy.
Again, if you are aware of, and honest with yourself about, the actual quality at these "outlets" and are satisfied with it, you may still find some serviceable items there. Just do not make purchase decisions based on the delusion that you are getting some great deal that you are not. Style costs money and you need to use your money wisely. Fortunately, some rare outlets are still true outlets selling factory seconds or otherwise compromised (often not noticeably) merchandise. These outlets can have great deals.
I suggest you create a shopping email account you check regularly, then give your address to the companies you really like and know you will want to buy many items from. They will let you know of sales, usually before they happen, so you can get in and buy your well-thought out items early on while supplies in your size last. If you really like a particular company and can easily imagine buying a substantial amount of your clothes from them, you may even want to consider getting their credit card and getting in on their rewards programs. This takes a little research to make sure it is a good idea, but can really pay off.
If you know the clearance cycle of a company, have built up rewards points/dollars and received other incentives from them, and then receive emails alerting you of sales, you can save substantially. I regularly buy items from quality retailers for 70% or more off this way.
As you can see, all of this takes some time and research to learn. Be patient and aware as you are learning.
