Making the most of occasional shopping

Learn when the sales are. Some are the first Thu.-Sun. of each month; others are in the second or third weeks.

Go early. It's a feeding frenzy at the start.

Prices are usually firm, then discounted 10 percent on Sunday. But ask at individual sales.

Most sales restock at the end of each day.

Refunds are rare at occasional sales.

If you want something, grab it. Stuff goes fast.