Luxe for Less: Your Guide to the Season's Best Shopping Deals

When to hit your favorite places for the lowest prices on fashions, furnishings and more.

FASHIONS & ACCESSORIES 

Aquamarine at 114
The fashions at Aquamarine at 114 appeal to women of all ages, so hit the Lewes Merchants’ spring and fall sidewalk sales on the first weekends of May and October to find discounts up to 70 percent. Aquamarine’s summer sale from Aug. 1-Oct. 1 means many items can be bought for half price. And to make room for new merchandise, there are end-of-season sales, plus random flash sales. Watch the Facebook page. 114 Second St., Lewes, 644-4550, www.aquamarineat114.com

Bare Essentials
Women flock here for bras, shapewear and swimsuits that range in size from AA to N cup. Frequent shoppers should join the Bra Club, to get a bra at half price for every five bought at the regular price. Swimsuits go on sale in mid-July, beginning at 20 percent off, with the discount increasing as the summer progresses. But don’t hold out too long—you risk missing out on your favorite style or not finding anything in your size. 4009 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 477-4888, www.mybareshop.com

Bel Boutique
Looking for that perfect accessory or a gift for the friend who has everything? Bel Boutique has it. Semi-annual sales happen just after summer and just after winter. Clothing gets marked down and some jewelry, depending on what’s left in stock. Check the website regularly for specials and promotions, including flash sales. Something is always popping up. 28 Loockerman St., Dover, 741-2340, www.belboutique.com

- Advertisement -

Bloom
Bloom has sales on clothing in July and January. Discounts vary, but typically range from 15 percent to 50 percent. “We also regularly mark down the last piece of a particular style throughout the year starting at 30 percent,” says owner Mimi Sullivan-Sparks. She keeps customers on their toes with spontaneous Rainy Day or Snow Day sales, inspiring people to shop during bouts of extreme weather. And during special events throughout Newark and Trolley Square, Bloom is always handing out coupons for 10 percent to 20 percent off. Join the mailing list to receive coupons 10 times a year. 92 E. Main St., Newark, 454-7266; 1725 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, 510-4990, www.bloomfolly.com

BLUvintage
Theresa Owens’ new laid-back luxury boutique is already bursting with sales. Expect contest giveaways on Instagram, Facebook and in-store, buy one-get one-free sales, best friend giveaways, free gifts with purchases and deals of the week. Stock up on everything from leggings to swimwear in sizes ranging from petite to plus. 150 S. Governors Ave., Dover, www.shopbluvintage.com

Brides 2 Be by Hope Mitchell
This full-service salon has gowns priced lower than the designer’s suggested price. Other perks include a free garment bag ($25-$50) and one hand-pressing and steaming ($25-$200). Also, when sample gowns are discontinued, they go on sale, and their prices will keep getting slashed every three months. 19160 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, 645-2485, www.brides2bebyhope.com

Carltons Men’s & Women’s Apparel
Owner Trey Kraus always tries to have something on sale at his resort-influenced lifestyle apparel boutique. The store participates in the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce annual spring and summer sidewalk sales; hosts in-store specials during busy summer, fall and winter holiday weekends; and continues to mark down spring and summer products 15 percent to 40 percent. Around Nov. 1, early fall items go on sale. “We start to place items on sale around mid-December, with a follow-up clearance price markdown right after Christmas,” says Kraus, who marks almost everything half-off come Jan. 1. 31 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-7990, www.carltonsapparel.com

Claire’s Fashions
A bridal gown sample sale offers 25 percent to a whopping 90 percent off selected discontinued samples. The fall and winter sale in November and December discounts dresses and separates up to 50 percent. There are bridal gown trunk shows with Allure Bridals in November and January, where brides receive a 10 percent discount. The boutique may mark down last year’s prom dresses in November or December to make room for new styles, so keep your eyes and ears open. 1312 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 798-1312, www.clairesfashions.net

- Partner Content -

Collars ’n Cuffs 
At the end of every season, Collars ‘n Cuffs will discount merchandise to make room for new items. Suits that regularly sell for $159-$199 are slashed to a mere $99. 716 Market St., Wilmington, 654-3322, www.collarsncuffsonline.com

Coolspring Cottage
Judy DeMeno is no stranger to retail, having just opened a boutique in downtown Milford last spring. Her store in Lewes, in business for 28 years, participates in the Lewes Merchants’ spring and fall sidewalk sales, marking down beach-themed fashions and accessories to at least half price. She plans to participate in Milford’s sidewalk sale events, which are typically held in July. 33506 Crossing Ave., Lewes, 644-2007; 28 S. Walnut St., Milford, 422-8450, Facebook 

Deanna’s & Piccolino
Stop in the day after Christmas to stock up on labels like NYDJ, Before + Again, Lynn Ritchie, David Cline, Curio and Splendid for 50 percent off. Owners Deanna Wagamon and daughter Ashley King also participate in the Lewes Merchants’ spring and fall sidewalk sales, offering discounts up to 80 percent. 113 Second St., Lewes, 644-1112, Facebook

Downtown Cowgirl
Cowgirl usually marks things down based on how they sell throughout the year. Owners Jennifer White and Erin Kesselring also participate in the bi-annual Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce sidewalk sales. Stock up on jewelry, dresses and vintage pieces during the storewide sale after Christmas. 146 Rehoboth Ave., No. 3, Rehoboth Beach, 227-1917, www.downtowncowgirl.com

Eclectica
Shop its two-day, 20 percent off storewide sale on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. The store also offers a 10 percent off holiday customer discount that is good after Black Friday through the end of the year on non-sale items. In the spring, there’s the Bellefonte Arts Festival and a block party in the fall, when many local boutiques offer discounts between 10 percent and 50 percent. Check out Eclectica’s end-of-season sales, too. 800 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington, 888-1824, Facebook

- Advertisement -

Ellie 
Shop Ellie’s two major semi-annual sales at the end of the fall and spring to score hot brands such as Trina Turk, Hale Bob, Joie and Equipment for up to 75 percent off. There are plenty of in-store events and trunk shows throughout the year, which offer customers surprise gifts and promotions, a chance to connect with a representative from a favorite brand and sneak peeks at exclusive merchandise offered only on event day. Sign up for Ellie emails at ellieboutique.com to get a complete list of seasonal events. 4017 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-8800

entreDonovan
Professional women flock to entreDonovan for great-fitting blouses, pants, suits and more. Despite being a custom-clothing business, it offers plenty of discounts throughout the year. Items will go on sale toward the end of each season. Discounts start at 30 percent. During the holidays, women can register their sizes and style preferences to help guide their significant others through gift shopping. 222 Delaware Ave., Suite 105, Wilmington, 543-8054, www.entredonovan.com

Grassroots
A Main Street staple for more than 40 years, its anniversary sale happens in early April, giving shoppers 20 percent off all items—even sale merchandise. There is often a weekend sale in mid-July and another in mid-October that also offers 20 percent off all purchases. The best way to find out about sales is to join the email list or follow on social media. 93 E. Main St., Newark, 453-9751, www.grassrootsonlineshopping.com

Heart And Home 
Stop in during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday for great giveaways. Mother’s Day is popular at the store, so it always offers specials such as a beach bag given with every purchase. Sign up for the email newsletter, which is good for a discount during your birthday month. 4770 Limestone Road, Wilmington, 999-8980; 108 E. Main St., Newark, 737-8980; 230 Peoples Plaza, Newark, 392-8980, www.heartandhomede.com

Houppette 
A makeup maven’s fantasy, both the Greenville and Kennett Square locations mark items down in January and July, usually starting at 30 percent. The boutique will only discount discontinued makeup items, but its cute clothing and accessories can be nabbed for cheap. 3842 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 421-9036; 101 W. State St., Kennett Square, Pa., (484) 732-8451, www.houppette.com

Hula Sue
The beachy fashions at Hula Sue—rompers, wedges and colorful jewels—can be purchased at deep discounts during the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce spring and summer sidewalk sales. The store also has a big sale on New Years’ weekend—everything is 50 percent off. 149D Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-1012, Facebook

Jacques Ferber Furs 
Jacques Ferber typically has a sale in March discounting items 50 percent. There are smaller sales throughout the year, with discounts between 20 percent and 35 percent. The store also has an amazing selection of boots, handbags, scarves and gloves. And Jacques Ferber can remake and restyle your favorite garments. 4001 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 652-4340, www.jacquesferber.com

Jane & Georgie
Snag hot summer fashions from 3 Dots, Joie, Tart and more around July 4 and in August, when items hit the clearance racks. The winter sale starts around Thanksgiving weekend, but picks up in the beginning of January. Don’t forget to stop during the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce spring and summer sidewalk sales. 419 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 727-5135, www.janeandgeorgie.com

Morgan’s of Delaware 
Morgan’s has a fall preview sale every August, which is the boutique’s anniversary month. Another great perk: Spend $100 or more and receive $20 off year-round. You can’t beat the personalized service, also offered all year at no additional charge. 2008 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, 658-0968, Facebook

Nicole J Boutique
Stocked with trendy jewelry, shoes, accessories and clothing all priced at $50 and under, Nicole J will occasionally discount items even further. 423 N. Broad St., Suite 2, Middletown, 376-7393, www.nicolejboutique.com

NV Boutique
From Black Friday until the week after Christmas, labels like Ella Moss and Splendid are offered at 50 percent off. The boutique has two more 50 percent off sales—in early spring and again in July. And there is always a clearance rack.
207 Louviers Drive, Newark, 368-4403, www.nvboutiquede.com

Ooh la la! The make-up studio
Stop in Tonia Marisa’s studio on Black Friday and after the New Year for 10 percent off makeup and skincare products. She also assembles gift baskets around the holidays, which means you can score deals on many of her essential products. She also sets up wish lists for her clients, allowing significant others to shop stress-free. 5800 Kennett Pike, No. 3, Centreville, 622-9425, Facebook

Peter Kate Shoes 
Peter Kate Shoes has its sales at the end of July and August to make way for fall items, then big sales in February to make way for spring items. It will begin to discount items when they go on sale online and when a certain item hasn’t moved, and the price is slashed on last pair of shoes in any style. 3830 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-7463, www.peterkate.com

The Pink Crab
This Lilly Pulitzer signature store has a big sale at the end of August. Items are also marked down when new merchandise comes in, so spring clothing is up to 50 percent off. Join the loyalty program to get an email whenever a new sale item hits the floor. 235 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 260-9739, www.thepinkcrab.com

Purple Sage Teas & Gifts
Don’t be fooled by the name. Purple Sage also carries a variety of jewelry and fine gifts. Sales are held every quarter, when you can buy sea glass, crystal jewelry, earrings, necklaces and rings at 30 percent off. Owner Elizabeth Barbato recently added custom framing. Look for promotional specials. 41 W. Main St., Middletown, 378-2123, www.purplesagetea.com

Sharee’s Fashions, Jewelry & Accessories
In business for over 40 years, owners Sharee and Dan Sypinski participate in the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce annual spring and summer sidewalk sales in May and October and hold a summer clearance sale the first week in August. If that’s not enough, there is also a Labor Day weekend sale and a winter clearance sale after Thanksgiving. 168 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 226-7554, Facebook

Shop Mamie
This trendy Trolley Square boutique always has a 50 percent off rack and sale items, but that doesn’t stop owners Megan Corey and Amy Kanzleiter from spoiling you even more. In January, their after-Christmas sale includes almost all winter merchandise marked down between 20 percent and 75 percent. Their biggest sale of the year is in February, during the Guilty Girls Warehouse Sale. In mid-April transitional pieces get marked down for the sidewalk sale, and new arrivals are gently marked down. Summer merchandise is discounted 20 percent to 50 percent during July and slashed further during the anniversary celebration in September. (New fall arrivals are 10 percent to 15 percent off then, too.) 1942 Gilpin Ave., Wilmington 655-1686 and 116 S. Union St., Kennett Square, Pa., (484) 732-8199, www.shopmamie.com

Southern Exposure
Tim Collins and his wife, Gretchen, have been bringing brand name women’s merchandise to Fenwick Island for almost 40 years. Score on summer fashions at 50 percent to 75 percent off in September. Stop by in January and February for discounts on leftover merchandise. 1200 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, 539-8606, Facebook

Stylebug
Designer labels such as Escada, Dior, Marchesa and Badgley Mischka, which already sell for 75 percent off suggested retail price, get discounted between 20 percent and 40 percent throughout the year at the online boutique. 102 Quigley Blvd., New Castle, www.stylebug.com

Wilmington Country Store
Shop for end-of-season fall and winter brands in January and stock up on summer fashions in July. You’ll find Eileen Fisher, Nic & Zoe, Vineyard Vines and Peter Millar at reduced prices. Sign up for emails to get the complete list of events. 4013 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-4409, www.wilmingtoncountrystore.com

Wright & Simon
Proprietor Leonard Simon offers plenty of incentives throughout the year: In January and July, he holds end-of season-sales, discounting items between 20 and 50 percent. His made-to-measure clothing is 20 percent off for two weeks in October and April, and the minimum order for custom shirts drops from four to two. You can also get a custom shirt free when you buy six, but keep your eyes peeled for second-chance sales on custom shirts during his end-of-season sales. 911 Market St., Wilmington, 658-7345, www.wrightandsimon.com

Ski Bum in Newark holds an anniversary sale each year on Black Friday. (Photo by Joe del Tufo)

SPORTS

Delaware Running Co.
For those running in a Thanksgiving race, give thanks for good shoes. The Delaware Running Co. is rewarding runners this season with a 10 percent discount when you take in a race bib. Sign up for the email list for more information about this and other promotions throughout the year. 4021 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 655-7463; 129 E. Main St., Newark, 533-5034, www.delawarerunning.com

East of Maui 
From September on, the surf shop marks down summer stock 30 percent or more. Find greater discounts on its deck, with markdowns starting at 50 percent. 104 St Louis St., Dewey Beach, 827-4466, www.eastofmaui.com

Rehoboth Beach Running Co.
The best time to buy is during biannual sidewalk sales in fall and spring. Smaller sales take place during Black Friday and the holidays to clear fall merchandise. 302 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-4848, www.runrb.com

Ski Bum
Forty-two Novembers ago the Ski Bum of Newark opened its doors. It has held an anniversary sale ever since to celebrate. The sale coincides with Black Friday, so most clothing and accessories (with brands like North Face and Under Armour) are on sale, starting at a 10 percent discount. 218 E. Main St., No. 101, Newark, 454-9829, www.theskibum.com/store-locations/newark-de/ 

Gidget’s Gadgets in Rehoboth Beach offers its biggest discounts both before and after summer.
(Photo by Maria DeForrest)

MUSIC & BOOKS

Acorn Books
Every three or four months, the shelves get a little full. To make room for the new, Acorn hosts a bag sale. Buy a bag for about $10, then fill it to the brim with books. Check the Facebook page for word of another blowout sale soon. 2421 S. Dupont Blvd., Smyrna, 508-2222, www.acornbookstore.com

Ninth Street Books
The sale cart is stocked year-round, but for the best deals, sign up for the frequent buyers club. You’ll get a 10 percent rebate of store credit with every fifth purchase you make and a discount for your birthday. On Small Business Saturday peek in for a local author signing. 730 N. Market St., Wilmington, 652-3315, www.ninthstreetbookshop.com

Gidget’s Gadgets
For the biggest discounts, hunt for your favorite records and other retro goodies right before or after Gidget’s Gadgets’ busy season in the summer. On Black Friday and Record Store Day, the store offers some sales, but is mostly focused on special releases in vinyl. 123 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-3959, www.gidgetsgadgetsrehoboth.com

The Wooden Indian in Rehoboth Beach celebrates July 4 weekend with its biggest sale of the year.
(Photo by Maria DeForrest)

HOME & GARDEN

At Home Designs
The biannual sale arrives just in time for you to spruce up your window treatments before the holidays and in March. From September to October, custom window treatments are up to 20 percent off. During both sales don’t be shy—ask for any extra rebates on blinds and more. 7460 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-1520, www.athomedesigns.com

Barton’s Garden Center and Southern States
Aside from sweeping Black Friday sales starting at 20 percent off, it also hosts a customer appreciation day every year in October. 20689 Sussex Hwy., Seaford, 629-9645, www.southernstates.com​

Bethany Resort Furnishings
Specializing in beach living, items get marked down in sync with the beaches’ mass exodus. The fall floor sample sale offers great deals, especially on upholstery, but wait until February to purchase any outdoor furniture. 939 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, 539-4000, www.bethanyresortfurnishings.com

Blue Room Gallery and Gift Shop
Find a blend of unique gift items and artwork for every budget. One of the best-selling lines is the Beach Town Posters series: art-deco style prints created by local artist Aurelio Grisanty. There are 84 designs and six frame colors to choose from (unframed $35.95, framed $135). The shop also has a free gift special from Thanksgiving weekend through New Years’ Day. You’ll receive a free glass ornament valued at $20 when you spend $100. 123 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany Beach, 537-6617, blueroom.gallery

Casual Marketplace
Casual Marketplace has three floors of furniture and two outdoor displays. Stop by during the holidays—Black Friday included—for deals on home accessories, but save your big ticket shopping for the summer sale in July and August. 400 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, 234-4800, www.casualmarketplace.com

Creations Fine American Craft
When Hockessin Corner has its sidewalk sale in June, Creations offers a discount of 10 percent storewide (excluding furniture). Join the mailing list for 15 percent off coupons. 443 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, 235-2310, www.creationsgallery.com

Gateway Garden Center
By October Gateway Garden Center is prepping its yard for the new year. Help to clear the perishable inventory through sweeping sales. Prices start at 10 percent off and increase to as much as 70 percent off until mid-November. May offers the best selection, but the best time to save is in the off-season. Sign up for weekly promotional emails. 7277 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-2727, www.gatewaygardens.com

Kurtz Collection 
With a large collection of designer rugs and carpeting, the Kurtz Collection has been a leader in the region for more than 35 years. Its largest sales fall around the holidays with storewide sales on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. 1010 N. Union St., Wilmington, 654-0442, www.kurtzcollection.com

Lang Carpet
With 4,000 square feet of showroom space for oriental rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting and designer wools, Lang is a landmark. Oriental rugs are up to 50 percent off during its annual fall sale. 1001 N. Union St., Wilmington, 655-1533, www.langcarpet.com

Mod Cottage 
Forget Black Friday. At Mod Cottage, it’s all about Small Business Saturday. Expect storewide discounts starting at 10 percent. They grow when you spend over $100. Keep your eyes peeled for the biannual bedding, rug and textile sale. Prices are discounted 20 percent. 247A Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-7277, www.modcottage.net

Pala Brothers Furniture
During Pala Brothers’ special promotion Nov. 23-Jan. 16, you’ll get $200 off a Stressless recliner, chair or sofa when you donate $50 to one of its charities. 1800 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 994-0141, www.palabrothers.com

Rockford Map Gallery
Explore the world without even leaving the state. The gallery’s biggest sale of the year falls right before Christmas. And during the two weeks leading up to the holiday, all paintings, flags and Replogle globes are 20 to 30 percent off. 1800 Lovering Ave., Wilmington, (800) 327-7992, www.rockfordpublishing.com

Simply Home
The best time to score a deal is during the biannual slipcover sales in February and August. Expect 30 percent off Four Seasons’ slipcovers, including special orders. 3628 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 477-0999, www.visitsimplyhome.com

Somethings Unique 
All Lee Industries upholstery is marked down 35 percent from the end of March to the beginning of May and from the beginning of September to mid-October. Somethings Unique also holds accessory sales in December and July, with markdowns as low as 50 percent. 3834 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 426-1950, www.somethingsunique.com

Tyndall’s Casual Furniture
Since much of Tyndall’s stock is outdoor furniture, it tends to hold it biggest sales starting on Labor Day. Lloyd Flanders and NorthCape are just a couple of the brands on sale, with prices 25 percent to 75 percent off. The floor sale lasts as long as supplies last. 30048 Sussex Hwy., Laurel, 645-2200, www.tyndallscasualfurniture.com

The Wooden Indian
Every July 4 weekend brings the Anniversary Sale, the biggest sale of the year. The Holiday Weekend sale begins on Black Friday, and most sales are a buy more, save more type sale. Starting in January, check Facebook for the discounted item of the day. Customers also get 15 percent off when they purchase a pair of lamps and 10 percent off anything purchased from a bridal registry. 25 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-8331, www.woodenindianltd.com

Yves Delorme
From luxury bedding to bath towels to small gifts, Yves Delorme brings a little touch of Paris to your home. Expect storewide discounts starting at 20 percent on Black Friday. 3801 Kennett Pike, No. 115, Wilmington, 656-3700, www.usa.yvesdelorme.com

TOYS, GAMES & KIDS’ CLOTHES

First and Little
While the clientele may be little, First and Little’s sales are not. During downtown Middletown’s sidewalk sale the weekend after the Peach Festival in August, First and Little marks down items by category, starting at one dollar and continuing up to $10 and $20. The same happens again on Small Business Saturday. 49 W. Main St., Middletown, 562-8976, www.firstandlittle.com

Lilypad Children’s Boutique 
One of Lilypad’s largest sales is during December, with a holiday countdown that gives customers the gift of increasing discounts each week, from 30 to 50 percent on select children’s clothes. It also holds sidewalk sales in May and October, with markdowns up to 70 percent. 149 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-4464, www.shoplilypad.com

Oranges and Lemons 
Though Orange and Lemons participates in Small Business Saturday, its biggest sales happen in January and July. Discounts start at 25 percent. They increase week by week. 3856 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 427-0323, www.oranges-lemons.com

Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company
Two times a year, the Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company hosts a sidewalk sale, with discounts starting at 20 percent, including reductions on 300 styles of flags (excluding NFL brands). Hurry in—these sales last only a weekend in both the fall and spring. 70 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-6996, www.rehobothkite.com

Two Sisters 
Two Sisters is under new ownership, promising even more sales for its loyal tween and teen customer base. For the holidays, the clothing and gift shop will mark down select items by at least 20 percent. The largest sales fall during the back-to-school season and the Guilty Girls charity sale in February. 3828 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 543-7532, www.twosistersde.com

Our Best of Delaware Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.