Intelligencer - The Science of Mattress Sales

Even before I began writing for the Strategist, I was rarely anywhere except the sale section. While my friends often ask me to keep my eyes peeled for certain products, I’m the one bombarding them with texts and links if I see a particularly good sale. Like, “Hey I know you’ve been looking for a new pair of ballet flats — Camper’s are 30 percent off right now,” etc.

Don’t settle for sales that are less than 20 percent off. It’s so easy to find denim from staple brands like Levi’s and Madewell for at least 30 percent off; you just have to have patience. I got my first pair of Levi’s Ribcage ankle jeans on sale for $28 (they’re normally $98). As I write this, Levi’s is having a sitewide sale through March 14!

I’m keeping a running tab of mattresses and vacuums that are on sale each month. My scientific conclusions: Nearly every mattress brand runs a year-round sale (with minor adjustments, like an extra 5 percent off or a set of free pillows with your purchase); and you can always find at least one robot vacuum from Eufy or iRobot on sale (and though you may not get all the bells and whistles, you also aren’t paying more than a couple hundred dollars).

I just purchased this stretchy two-piece Youswim swimsuit (in Saffron) from Depop last week. I’ve had the one-piece version (in the color Espresso) for about four years now, which I love dearly and I always get compliments on. I’ve always hated swimsuit shopping because my body shape seems to fluctuate every year, but these accommodate several sizes in one so you don’t have to worry about that. And they’re just so comfy!

Definitely my mattress. It was on sale, like most mattresses always are — which I wrote about here — but only by about 10 percent (which hurt my deals-editor heart that it wasn’t discounted even more, but what can you do?). Still, that’s $100 I got to spend on something else instead!

Even as someone who’s been online shopping for their job for nearly seven years, I’m surprised at just how much stuff Nordstrom carries. The beauty department is always excellent — it’s where I found my new favorite perfume — and nearly always a few Strategist-approved things on sale. I’d also pop by the home and designer department; I could definitely go for Paloma Wool knitwear or a Marimekko duvet cover.

I have a very long wish list in my Notes app, which has cut down the number of tabs I have open considerably. I revisit the list a few times per month to check for sales and ask myself if I really wanted that Isamaya $100 eye-shadow palette after all. (Turns out: I did not.) I am currently eyeing this lock necklace from Marla Aaron, as well as this sport skort from Girlfriend Collective. I have it in black already and practically live in it during summertime — I’m just debating whether I want to get another neutral like the Earth shade or go for something fun like Prism.