Every year when the halloween items go on display (which in some stores is before all the 'Back-To-School' items have been put out) I try and hit most of the store to see what I might want to buy after Halloween (when the prices are slashed) for next year's display. There is seldom something I just 'can't live without' - and if there is, then I buy it at full price (wash my mouth out with soap!!!). I approach the experience with a 'that might be nice to have' mentality, so that if I am . Plus I also might get an idea for something I can build for my current year display.

     After Halloween (in some cases the day of Halloween), I start visiting these store wher I have 'pre-shopped' to check on items that I am interested in. I make note of the availability of items that I am interested in. Items that are in limited quantity, I am more apt to buy first (when the markdown is not as great) rather than take a chance of not getting them at all.

     I make trips to some store on an almost daily basis (usually on my way to work or to run other errands, so the cost of gas does not overcome the amount of money I save on the purchases). You have to know, too, which stores do what amount of mark down before just boxing the items for sale next season. This year I discovered that one store whose markdown used to reach 90% off, only made the 50% jump before removing the items from their shelves.

     And just a quick side note, before I close. I have also used these sales to purchase holiday gift for friends and family who also like to decorate for Halloween!