12/23/08 “You’d have to be a moron not to ask for a discount,” said Stephen Hoch, a retailing expert at the Wharton School Of Business

Associated Press Photo

How are your haggling skills?

Desperate retailers more open to haggling this year

Retailers giving added discounts, but you have to ask

Let Us Show You How To Haggle For A Better Holiday Price

Desperate retailers more open to haggling this year

StarNewsOnline.com

If you’re looking for an extra bargain before the holidays, you may only have to ask.

With holiday sales shaping up to be the lowest in years, possibly the worst since the industry began annual comparisons in 1969, retailers say they’re taking consumers’ demands for good deals seriously. Some are extending return policies, while others are matching competitors’ prices. Many are volunteering on-the-spot discounts and even letting customers haggle prices well down from what’s marked in a desperate bid to make the cash register ring.

... better deals. Jill duPont, the owner of a small women's clothing and accessories boutique called Out of the Box in Greenwich, Conn., said she's felt some pressure to mark her prices down to be competitive with others. 'Customers aren't shy about ...

....Jill duPont, the owner of a small women’s clothing and accessories boutique called Out of the Box in Greenwich, Conn., said she’s felt some pressure to mark her prices down to be competitive with others.

“Customers aren’t shy about telling us ’what a good price’ they found somewhere else,” she said.

For some retailers, desperation is setting in. The new year brings new inventory, so retailers typically try to clear out the old stock by year’s end. Stores are increasingly willing to do whatever they can to get rid of merchandise – even offering discounts on the spot.....

The art of the haggle

THE DEAL:

With only three more shopping days left before Christmas, retailers are becoming more willing to negotiate on prices or extend their return policies to offer consumers a better deal and boost their sales.

SHOPPER’S MARKET?

Retail analysts say shoppers have the upper hand this year due to sliding sales at retailers. Despite big discounts, sales are still projected to be the worst in years.

HOW TO GET THE BEST DEALS:

Experts say to research competitors’ prices, since many chains are willing to match the lowest price. Also, be willing to ask for a better price from a manager.

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