Tips for shopping at the Rack? - YouLookFab Forum

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Tips for shopping at the Rack?

sarah

Veteran

Whenever I go into the Rack, I start to break out in hives. OK, not really. But I am so overwhelmed that I don't even know where to start. I'd almost given up, except that my $8 olive Jag skinnies that I scored there recently have become my new best friend. That makes me think I should persevere.

Do you have a strategy for shopping at the Rack? Any recommendations for weeding through the endless round racks?

thanks!

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I just go for certain brands and by department. Shoes I do go through all the racks in my size.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

We hit a Rack in NYC with Angie. Even though we were with Angie, I still got the same feeling as you... others found good stuff but it took a lot of digging. We are getting a Rack near me in 2012. I am planning on frequent hit and run visits where I only look at the good stuff and petites if they have any.

Aida

Veteran

I think my Rack may be small but I generally hit up all the racks with items in my size (usually a small selection) and all the shoes in my size. I also allow, like, 4 hours to shop there

ironkurtin

Veteran

Second AG. I know what designers I like and what departments they're in, and I head to those racks. I also always check out the clearance sections just for the heck of it. And the men's sock department, because for some reason they rack the Happy Socks there. I am a sucker for Happy Socks.

DressLover

Veteran

Start by looking at the things you enjoy shopping for. If those sections go well, carry that momentum on to the other departments. I notice that if you find some possible options right out of the gate, it makes the search for other finds easier.

Heather

Veteran

Sarah, embrace the dig for maximum reward!

*dig, dig, dig* (say this really fast, okay? and aloud)

ironkurtin

Veteran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6SrZ-6cGVA

Or you can sing it...

Heather

Veteran

IK: That is AWESOME.

sarah

Veteran

I think what I really need is for all of you to come WITH me to the Rack. And serenade me with Disney tunes while I'm shopping!

@Aida - FOUR HOURS?! I really WOULD break out in hives. (True confessions - I don't LIKE to shop!)

Anonymous

I need to develop a plan for the Rack. Three times shopping there and I have not purchased anything. A huge Goodwill does not intimidate me. The Rack does!

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think if you serenade enough people with Disney tunes, everyone will leave and you will have the Rack all to yourself. (I love Disney tunes.)

Aida

Veteran

Well, I also try a LOT of stuff on. Last time I was there I tried about 100 garments and I think I kept 2? I have pretty good shopping tolerance though

Queen Mum

Veteran

Aida- do you bring a sack lunch with you? I couldn't possibly shop for 4 hours without a lunch break.
I guess that explains why I don't have much luck there. I allow about 15 minutes. I guess I need to learn patience.

I cannot even fathom trying on 100 items. My hair would be a flat mess and I wouldn't have any make-up left. Not a pretty background for trying stuff on.

Aida

Veteran

Eh my hair is always a mess so no problem there; I also usually shop in heels, though last time I wore my flat oxfords for a change 0:)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I take almost all my clients to the Rack. I can shop there blind folded

- It's better with two sets of hands, so shop with a friend and a trolley.

- Make sure you fit on as much as you can OUTSIDE the changing rooms so wear the right clothes for that part of the deal.

- Pile stuff into the trolley as you go along.

- Make sure that the person with you fetches sizes while you are in the changing room.

- Do clothing first, shoes next, and accessories last.

LOVE hearing about your handbag capsule, Sarah. You win this year's YLF award!!!

MNsara

Veteran

Oh, oh, oh, Sarah - go with me!! Really!! I have spent all the $$ I should, so I can help you spend yours, and I'm great at treasure hunting and fetching sizes

And, I'm always game for a trip to the Rack!

My advice is simple - never go on the weekends unles its within the opening hour. Otherwise you'll stand in line for a dressing room and never want a second go-round - even if you need it. . .

Always make sure you are at your best: no needing a restroom, no being thirsty, etc.

If you are thinking of certain labels or departments, ask where they've recently put them so you spend your energy on the right racks.

I agree about trying on everything you can OVER a tank top, so you can eliminate clear losers right away and in better lighting than the dressing rooms.

Always use a shopping cart - to hold all those possibilities.

If you need a break, but aren't quite done, ask the front to hold your selections - go take a break, and come back when you're refreshed.

MNsara

Veteran

Oh, and if you like a certain brand (i.e. Paige denim, or Equipment blouses), they can get you on their 'calling' list and will give you a courtesy call when they know they're receiving that brand.

Jjsloane

Veteran

My tips are shop often (stock changes rapidly) I like to start with the extra % off racks, move through my favorite regular sections and then to dressing room. Much as others have said, take the max to dressing room. After I have my selections I hit shoes, lingerie, jewelry and accessories (and sometimes men's if DH needs something)

Sign up for the private shopping events - heaven with limited people and they serve snacks. My rack is relatively small and I've learned which departments and brands (well marked by their signage) I prefer. I try not to miss much, but it can happen. Much like most off-price shopping you can often be disappointed if your goal is a specific item, but if you just want a pair of shoes you almost can't lose.

April

Veteran

At my local Rack, the SA told me that the best day to go is on Tuesday. Nordstrom ships items off to the Rack every day except Sunday, so on Tuesdays they have two days worth of new goods arriving.

Actually, if you're feeling overwhelmed, maybe Tuesday is the day to avoid.

Jonesy

Veteran

It's funny: The RACK is my fave spot to shop, especially the one in downtown Chicago! I agree with many others about knowing what departments you like (I go straight to the Via C rack(s), then Individualist, then browse out from there). The racks I've seen are always arranged by department and size, so that makes it more straightforward. I guess it's key too to have a laser-like focus re. what you like and what you could use. I tend to go for distinctive, statement things that I won't find anywhere else, rather than basics that are a dime a dozen at lots of different stores (e.g., I have gotten a blue DVF jacket, an interesting Nanette Lepore black jacket, a large L.A.M.B. bag in a fab pattern for work).

Kafe

As it turns out, I will be going to The RACK this afternoon. I usually walk right through it because it can easily overwhelm me. I prefer stores where I can look at a rack of clothes and know what's on it. But.... I am determined to spend a bit in the store today and see what it does for me.

Looking for specific brands might help. What brands at The RACK are your favorites to hunt for?

sarah

Veteran

Thanks for all of the tips, ladies! I think I just need to familiarize myself with the departments a bit more. I will never shop there for four hours, though, OR try on 100 items!

Sara - YOU ARE ON! Let's make a plan.

Anonymous

I usually stop in to check for deals on specific items or brands, which are generally stocked in the same locations. I also find it overwhelming to browse!

Aida

Veteran

Point taken Sarah, this is why I usually shop alone I think because there isn't as much available in my size the whole process can go much quicker because my options are limited. That's probably why I'm able look through a lot of racks in not a lot of time. Since I don't go there often I try to block several hours, but usually I'm in-and-out of the Rack within two hours, and usually make 1-3 dressing room trips with 10-15 items a go.

Queen Mum

Veteran

okay, now I know what I need to do. I need to take Aida and turn her loose to shop for me while i sit at the food court and enjoy the fare

and, what are you guys talking about "carts"??? My rack doesn't have carts. I don't think it even has hand baskets. It's just you and your two little hands... plus hubbies 2 little hands if you can coax him to the mall.

MNsara

Veteran

I've been such a serial Rack shopper this summer that I found myself trying on the same things over and over again (apparently I like some ill fitting things a lot). Anyway, I started folding the top left corner of the Rack price tag when tried on and didn't work -- to save myself from déjà vu.

And yes, our two Racks have shopping carts they nicely hold my purse so my arms and shoulders can rest and I can shop two-handed!

Aida

Veteran

Kim you know, I totally find more items for others than myself when shopping there! When I go with my sis I find loads of cute things for her to try compared to when I'm shopping for myself. Probably because my last few trips have been blouse focused and I get all confused and then don't get anything >< I would happily shop with you ^^