Some shoppers hit multiple branches of stores in one day

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2007 | by Elaine Hughes

Members of USA TODAY's shopper panel recently paused from pushing shopping carts and digging through clearance racks to offer tips on finding the best deals on designer clothes.

These self-proclaimed bargain hunters say that when they're not looking for a specific item, they usually head to off-price retailers such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

"When shopping there, I have learned that the best strategy is to be flexible," said Ann Cowen of Longmeadow, Mass. "You can't look for a particular fabric or color, but there is always something that is a great buy."

Some people say they value the lower prices and variety of brands so much, they drive to multiple T.J. Maxx locations in a single day. Take Amy Rodgers of New Berlin, Wis. A typical shopping trip...