THE ESSENTIAL SHOP BY SHOP SALES GUIDE

Sunday Mirror, Dec 26, 2004 by ZENA ALLI

SERIOUS shoppers know that the January sales are the highlight of the year - a chance to indulge in a favourite hobby and save money at the same time.

But don't become a shopaholic and fall into the trap of buying goods simply because they are reduced. It's only a bargain if you're buying something you really want.

If you've had your eye on a major purchase for your home, now is the time to pounce, but don't even think about parting with your cash unless you've done your homework.

Bring measurements with you and a tape measure. If matching to colour schemes, take a swatch of fabric or even a paint card.

Don't rush into buying white goods - fridge, freezer, washing machine or dishwasher - without scrutinising the detail first. Again check dimensions and decide which functions are important to you - it will save valuable time on the actual day when the pressure is on to snap up a bargain.

Some stores advertise amazing bargains to attract headlines and the crowds. These are genuine offers but are limited, so get there early to secure the best deals. And remember, once they're gone, they're gone.

If it's important to you to have the latest electrical goods and gadgets, it's worth remembering that these are unlikely to be in the sale.

Most stores use the sale to clear current models in order to make way for updated versions. So you could find your gadgets have been superseded within weeks.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

SALE goods must previously have been on sale at the higher price for 28 consecutive days in any branch. Some stores buy in goods during the sale period. If no reduction is shown, they may be promoted as a "special purchase" or "manager's special".

ALL goods must be fit for the purpose for which they are being sold, including "seconds" and discontinued lines. Just because it's in a sale, doesn't mean it's faulty - unless a fault is specified at the time of purchase, such as a missing power lead.

IF you buy a sales item which proves to be faulty, you are entitled to a refund, replacement or repair. If it's not faulty, you have no legal right to return the goods.

GET the law on your side. Read up on it at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

CHECK THE LABEL

THERE are no legal definitions of appropriate sales labelling. As a general rule "discontinued" means the store is no longer selling the range or product. "Seconds" means not 100 per cent perfect - there might be a blemish, but you can still expect the product to function properly. "Ex-display" is essentially second hand, and it may have picked up scuffs from the shop floor, but it must still be in good working order.

FOCUS DIY

SALE STARTS: On until the end of Jan 2005 (various opening times)

OFFERS: Kitchen units (see right) 50% off, plus for a limited time only an additional 10% off. Up to 50% off all home-delivered bath suites, plus for a limited time only an additional 10% off. 50% off Champion Power tools and selected Black & Decker tools. Three for the price of two on Focus paint. 33% off selected wallpaper. 33% off all Focus Basics and Focus garden hand tools and 33% off selected laminate flooring.

EXAMPLE: A typical seven unit kitchen in the Kansas range will now cost pounds 387, rather than pounds 877. Today and tomorrow there are additional offers including Champion Lawnmower (right) down to pounds 149 from pounds 349; double door shed, down from pounds 229 to pounds 149.

IKEA

SALE STARTS: Each store has different dates and different products in the sale. Sales start between December 27 and January 15, with some exceptions. Contact customer services (0845 3551 141) for details of your local store or see www.ikea.co.uk

LAURA ASHLEY

SALE STARTS: Now on until January 4

OFFERS: 20-30% off selected pieces

EXAMPLE: Provencale furniture and the Gatsby mirrored furniture, reduced by 20%, plus 50% off selected sofas including the Harrogate and Ellingham two-seaters.

HABITAT

SALE STARTS: Tomorrow (see www. habitat.co.uk for local opening hours)

OFFERS: Up to 50% off

EXAMPLE: Longitude pink/burgundy dinnerware - mug (left) reduced from pounds 2.50 to pounds 1.25. Lattice rug 140 x 200cm now pounds 50,down from pounds 100. Mineral bathroom accessories - soapdish reduced from pounds 7 to 50p, Ikebana bed down from pounds 385 to pounds 308. Cowhide rug pounds 495 down to pounds 350.

MATALAN

SALE STARTS: Homes products sale starts January 8

OFFERS: Half-price offers on homeware and luggage. Siesta tableware down from pounds 2 to pounds 1.

B&Q

SALE STARTS: Now on.

OFFERS: A clearance, rather than a sale, there will be reductions on selected fitted bedrooms, such as the oak Shaker-style (down from pounds 810 to pounds 635), selected baths and whirlpools, such as the Seattle straight acrylic suite, selected kitchen door and drawers, and selected fires, surrounds and accessories, including the Deco suite. Laminated flooring was pounds 21.44, now pounds 16.94. (0845 222 1000/www.diy.co.uk)

NEXT

SALE STARTS: Tomorrow (some stores 5am, check with local branch).

OFFERS: 50% off on many homes products

EXAMPLE: Lombok leather CD rack was pounds 79.99, now pounds 39.99. Mono date and time wall clock, was pounds 24.99, now pounds 11.99.