Be careful, we're getting out the lifebuoys because we're about to tackle a major event that comes up every year. The sales... Yes, that moment that some people look forward to and others dread more than anything!

What if we told you that going to the sales isn't all that great? Yes, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's like sugar. We like it, but it's not good for our health.

Why isn't this such a good idea after all?

Compulsive shopping

Yes, yes, we're getting straight to the heart of the matter. It's like a Band-Aid, you just have to pull it off at once! Compulsive shopping makes our credit cards run wild, and it's our banker who's not going to be happy. Has it ever happened to you that you're at the sales and as you leave the store, you gasp as if exhausted and in an uncontrollable trance. And when you think back, you realize that the music was loud, there was clothes and information everywhere, the smell of perfume was wafting around... All this brings together a set of techniques that together form what we call sensorial marketing.

The aim is to awaken all your senses and make you want more from every angle. You see color and pattern, you smell a pleasant scent, you hear energetic music that puts you in a good mood, and suddenly you're at the cash register arms full.

This type of marketing reinforces compulsive buying and you turn to clothes you don't normally wear, or you go down a size because it's the latest model and it's cheap...

As a result, the item will end up at the back of the cupboard or at the bottom of the garbage can...

It's not expensive (buyer's remorse)

Buyer's remorse what is it? Quite simply, buyer's remorse regretting having bought a garment because of its price. As you leave the store, you wonder if you spent so much and if the item is really worth it... So you find yourself back in the same store a few days later to return the item in question.

But the phenomenon is reversed during the sales period! So much the better, at least we don't feel guilty... True, but that's not necessarily a good thing either.

Why?

Because you'll still be buying items that you won't wearexcept that since it didn't cost you much, you bought a lot.

So the pile starts to grow and you find yourself needing to get rid of it. But the problem is that cheap means average quality. The raw materials used are non-recyclable and polluting. The result is waste generates pollution textile. In fact, the textile and clothing industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. the second most polluting industryit makes you wonder.

Sales are no longer so eagerly awaited, as discounts are available all year round.

With the rise of digitalmore and more brands are selling exclusively on the Internet. To attract customers, these brands run promotions throughout the year. Whether it's sales, promo codes, delivery and returns at a certain price, brands go all out to attract customers.

This reduces the value and importance of sales. Clothing boutiques are therefore put aside in favor of internet shopping which is all year round..

We end up spending more than we would if it weren't for the sales

In the end, did we manage to save ? Not so much... As everything is cheaper and we make a lot of compulsive shoppingyou end up with a receipt as long as your arm. So if you really want to save, it's best to stay at home during the sales.

Alternatives to sales

Buy less but quality. We know, we know, we keep telling you, but it works. This will avoid waste by keeping basics that fit and that we love for longer.

Choose ethical and sustainable brandsthat use natural natural materials and organic that do little or no harm to the environment, and are certified by labels such as the Oeko-Tex label or the GOTS label.

Buy from thrift stores or Vinted. We give clothes a second life.

We hope we haven't scared you too much with all this! But at least you're informed now and can see that sales aren't all they're cracked up to be. If you'd like to know more about the Oeko-Tex label or the GOTS label, then we suggest you read our articles. .