Here we go again. If you didn’t know, Gymboree announced that they have filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans are in the making to close up to 450 stores nationwide. There is no list out on which ones will be closing so keep a close eye on your local Gymboree. They’re hoping to have everything finalized by late September.

Although it’s said to see these stores going through hard times it does produce some good sales. These kinds of sales are awesome, but you do need to be careful about a couple of things:

1. These are typically FINAL SALES. That means that you can’t return or exchange any items purchased. So don’t buy on a whim just because something is a good deal. If that item isn’t exactly what you want you will just waste money instead of saving it. Be sure to ask an associate or read the fine print prior to purchasing anything at a “Going Out Of Business” Sale.
2. Compare to other retailers. Compare prices of the discounted items at Gymboree to make sure you are getting the best price. Sometimes the deeper discounts don’t always mean that is the best price available. Especially, if the regular price was higher to begin with. Also know your price points before you start to shop their sale.
3. The longer an item stays available the lower the price will go. Clearance shopping is a guessing game. You will have to decide if you want to take the first markdown on an item or if you want to chance it and see if it will still be in stock when the next markdown happens. If it is something you have really been wanting and there are limited quantities I wouldn’t wait too long to snatch it up. However, if there seems to be a surplus of something you think would be cool to have, then you could possibly wait for the price to drop lower and still be able to get the item.

If you keep these things in mind when shopping these sales you will be able to get the absolute best prices!