Black Friday sale - 23 November 2012

Perfect timing to buy your xmas pressies is Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when US retailers announce amazing bargains to mark the beginning of Christmas shopping. Although retailers don't offer sales until Black Friday, it is worth checking online as a number of retailers place their online bargains on their sites a day or two earlier.

For previews or predictions of what to buy on Black Friday visit:

• www.blackfriday.com  - scans brochures (primarily larger retailers and department stores) as they become available;
• www.blackfriday.gottadeal.com - provides good overview of trends and predictions of offers to be targeted by retailers;
• www.dealnews.com - various articles and promotions detailing some of the best deals that will be available on the day

Happy Shopping!

The USA Shopping Affair Team

What to Buy - Men's Business Shirts

Well worth considering buying from the USA are men's business shirts. If purchasing for a husband or boyfriend you will need to know both their neck size and sleeve length. You should also be aware that regular fit in the US is quite generous around the waist and arms therefore slim fit or European fit is usually more appropriate for the more athletic shape (or ones without a beer belly).

       Calvin Klein Dress Shirt     

Whilst shopping for business shirts for my husband, I found that french cuff dress shirts are not as prevalent as they are in Australia so I have compiled the best top 5 retailers to purchase 'slim fit dress shirts with french cuff'.

1. www.menswearhouse.com
2. www.suitbargains.com
3. www.josbank.com
4. www.paulfredrick.com
5. www.brooksbrothers.com

Happy Shopping!

Charmaine

Where to Buy - Classic Crocs

Welcome to the first of our regular "Where to Buy" posts for the latest updates on shopping intel!

To purchase a pair of the very popular, versatile and oh so colourful Croc shoe from the USA, here are our top 5 online retailers to visit for great discounted prices:

      1. 6pm.com
      2. amazon.com
      3. crocsoutlet.com
      4. swimoutlet.com
      5.  cabelas.com





A pair of Classic Crocs retail here in Australia for $49.99 AUD but you can buy similiar clogs from the USA for as little as $18.00 USD. Remember when comparing prices to ensure that you factor in shipping costs.

Happy Shopping

The USA Shopping Affair Team

Credit cards at the ready

INDEPENDENCE DAY SALES

4th of July may not be that significant to most Australians, but to those of us who are avid online shoppers it means major shopping spree for the USA Independence Day sales.



Deals to check out include:

• American Eagle Outfitters: Sale of up to 50% off items plus an extra 15% off and free shipping with code “87279041”
• Children's Place: Up to 75% off sale items and use code “N6G45QDP42” through 7/9 for an extra 20% off
• Coldwater Creek: Use code “AFLF624” for $30 off purchase of $150 plus free shipping on orders over $50, expires 7/4
• Kohls: Use code “SUMMER15” between July 1-12 for 15% off
• Victoria's Secret: Free shipping with code “SHIPVS12”
• Bath and Body Works: Semi-Annual Sale offers up to 75% off, “HELLOSALE20” gives you an extra 20% off
• DWS: Up to 50% off, free shipping on orders over $35 with code “SHIPR”
• Shoes.com: Use code “SHOESOFF” for $10 off a $50 purchase or $20 off a purchase of $100
• Old Navy: Save on hundreds of Summer Styles.
• Stacy Adams: Extra 10% off clearance.Use Coupon Code "CLR1012" at checkout.
• GbyGUESS.com: 50% off summer categories (Shorts, Tanks, Tees, Flip Flops).
• Auto Parts Warehouse: 10% OFF on orders $99 and up + FREE SHIPPING this Independence Day! Use Coupon Code "INDEPENDENCE"
• Gap: Red, Bright, and Blue Event - Save up to 40% off on select styles!
• Home Depot: $10 OFF orders $100 or more! Online Only. Use Coupon Code "RWBHD10" at checkout.
• Levi's: Buy More Save More - Spend $100, get 20% off + Free Shipping. Spend $150, get 30% off + Free Shipping. Use Coupon Code "SUMMER" at checkout.
• Macy's: Extra 15% Off at the 4th of July Sale 
• Nautica:Up to 40 Off Everything - Buy More, Save More 4th of July Sale. Use Coupon Code "FIREWORKS" at checkout.
• Sierra Trading Post: 25% off $125 or more Use Coupon Code "ALJUNE2" at checkout.
• Anne Klein: Save Up to 75% Off With an Additional 25% Off Sale! 
• Bare Necessities: 30% Off Swimwear 
• JC Whitney: 12% off auto parts Use Coupon Code "JCWFREE"
• GUESS: SUMMER CLEARANCE EVENT: Take an additional 40% off already-reduced prices! 
• Famous Footwear: BOGO: Buy One, Get One Half Off.

Oh and don't be fooled that the sale is for the 4th July only, with many retailers starting sales from 1st July and continuing for several days after the 4th July. Now finger on the mouse, credit card to the side and go.....

(PS) We would love to know what bargains you snap up.

Cheers

The USA Shopping Affair Team

What to buy - back to school

Since starting my global sourcing experiment I am slowly getting more organised to avoid any situations that require popping down the shops (to date my only requirement has been kids Christmas presents and last minute birthday gifts). Hence I have begun to think about back to school and all the things we will need for the new school year including uniforms, shoes, school bag, lunch tote and stationery. My research to date has found that all of the above items are better to be sourced from Australia as shipping adds too much to the purchase price. The exception however are school shoes - yep once again the US provides a great range of footwear for school at much cheaper prices even after shipping to Oz has been included! These are the shoes that I bought for my son,

Leather Hush Puppies$40.00 USD, similar shoe retails in Australia for $89.95

New Balance runners $32.95 USD, retail in Australia for $60.00

Which month for which product?

Bargain Buys

Courtesy of dealnews.com the following outlines what months you can get the best deal for certain products.

January: Winter clothing

Late January/February: Older electronics (once new items are introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show, stores put old stock on clearance), current-year calendars, top-brand HDTVs.

June: Bedding and linens (deals are even better than for January white sales).

September-October: Jeans.

November: Lower-end laptops, clothing on Black Friday, cookware (continues into December).

December: Laptops, especially higher-end systems; bicycles.

Mid- to late-December: Toys, video games.

The Perfect Shopping Trip

Just as a reminder of why we love online shopping so much, this is the location my family and I were camping at when I bought my latest US haul from Zappos & Zara (who by the way accept payment via paypal!). No after Christmas hassles just a lap top , glass of wine and beautiful view in the middle of nowhere - the perfect shopping trip

Eyre Peninsula (SA)