Some stores will also offer a price-matching policy on items offered at multiple stores. Simply bring in your original receipt and the ad or name/phone number of the store beating the price you paid and many major retailers will match or beat their competitor’s price to keep your business.

Photo Credit: © iStock/Lise Gagne Many happy returns.
Become familiar with your favorite stores’ return and exchange policies. Most stores have return policies that require returns within 14, 30, 60 or 90 days with a receipt. Nordstrom is the leader in no-hassle returns, with an open, no-receipt-necessary return policy.

If you’ve missed the cut-off for a return, see if the shop will give you a store credit at the item’s current price. After all, money towards a new purse is better than clogging your closet with yet another dress you’ll never wear.

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