How does a discount program differ from a bonus program? The question “What are discount stores?”

What is a discount? Discount is a broad concept that refers to economic activity and translated from English means a discount. IN different areas activity discount can have different meanings:

on stock exchange this concept means the difference between the nominal and market value of a bond;
in banking, this is a reduction in the price of collateral in favor of the bank when applying for a loan;
in trade, this can mean a discount on goods in case of prolonged delivery times, if the goods do not meet the requirements or are not in great demand, and similar discounts;
in other areas, this could be any commercially beneficial discount.

In general, a discount is a difference in price that arises due to some circumstances. The discount can be fixed, cumulative, or depend on the quantity of goods purchased. There may also be other factors that influence its size.

When receiving a loan, a collateral is required that will secure it if the borrower does not repay the loan. The discount in this case is the difference between the loan amount and the loan amount.

A discount that differs from the actual price of the collateral is called the collateral coefficient, and often its presence in the conditions for obtaining a loan causes great indignation among borrowers, because in this case the assessment of the value of property owners is not equal to that of the bank.

In this case, the discount acts as insurance for a bank or other financial institution. With it, he reduces the likelihood of not having enough funds to pay off the debt in the event that he has to sell the mortgaged property. In many ways, this practice is associated with a large number of loan defaults and delays.

Moreover, even if an independent appraiser assessed the collateral property at the market price, it is far from a fact that it will be possible to obtain a loan for this amount. Some banks take a deposit only taking into account the discount, and its size is also set by the bank, and sometimes the discount reaches half the cost of the property. This is done so that in the event of non-payment of the debt, the proceeds from the sale of the pledged property can cover not only the loan amount, but also the interest on it, as well as possible legal or similar collection costs. Also, the size of the discount depends on the type of property, how long it has been used and other similar factors.

This system is very convenient for banks, but consumers of loans most often do not like the provision of discounts very much, because by counting on one amount, you can get much less.

The concept of discount that is used in the stock exchange is very similar to that used in the banking industry. In both cases, the borrower is expected to make a profit. The discount provided by the discount is the difference between the selling and market value of the security.

The borrower provides the bond at a price below the market price. When purchasing a security, a purchase and sale agreement is concluded, which states that through set time the borrower is obliged to sell the bill at the market price. Thus, he will receive an income that is the difference between buying and selling, and this difference is equal to the amount of the discount.
Moreover, making a profit does not depend in any way on the time of use of the security. If the borrower does not buy it back after a set time, then the lender loses almost nothing; he has every right to sell it to a third party. The only problem is the price volatility on the market. securities. Bills of exchange may have different prices on different days, but small financial losses are still possible.

In trade, a discount is applied when it is necessary to sell stale or seasonal product. It could also be marketing ploy. In any case, the seller expects to increase his profits.

Although the product is sold at reduced prices, the seller can attract new customers and make more profit if he sold it without a discount. So, many stores can periodically offer discounts and then return the market price. The buyer, out of habit, will purchase the product even after the price increases.

Also, a discount is a good opportunity to increase interest in a new or previously unclaimed service or product. Stores can conduct seasonal sales, for example, in the spring, sell off the remaining winter clothes, which also increases revenue. After all, it is better to sell at a low price than not to sell at all.

Also, a discount can be provided both for each unit of goods and through a cumulative system. For example, if the buyer purchased a certain quantity of goods, or purchased for a certain amount, or in the case of a wholesale purchase. The conditions may be different, and the parties agree among themselves.

Discount in everyday life

Let's look at what a discount is simple example. The supplier has a product in stock that for some reason was not sold. To ensure that the product does not become stale or if it is seasonal and quickly loses its relevance, the supplier offers it to its customers at a significant discount. This can be observed during the sales season in shopping centers. Most often, clothing and footwear fall under such discounts, less often household appliances or electronics.

Many chain companies have their own discount stores where their goods are sold at discounted prices. However, they should not be confused with second-hand stores or points that sell poor quality goods. This could be a branded store that, before the release of a new collection, sells off the remnants of the old one at a significantly reduced price.

IN modern world The concept of discount is very widespread and everyone has encountered it in one form or another. Despite the price reduction, this increases sales and attracts new customers.

Agree, many of us want to purchase high-quality branded products at an affordable price. Therefore, it is important to understand what a discount store, outlet, stock is, so as not to miss this season's new items at a price that will pleasantly surprise you. Our small guide article will help with this.

What is a discount store?

Let's look at the concept itself. Discount store, discount center is outlet, where what is called stock is sold: unsold collections, leftovers from warehouses. This could be clothing, electronics, sporting goods, equipment, etc.

Where does stock product come from? There are several sources:

Wholesalers stock.
A batch with a small manufacturing defect.
Overproduction certain type products.
Items from stores that are not sold out during the current season.
Products of original brands that, for a number of reasons, were not put up for sale.

Types of discounts

There are two main types of discount shoe and clothing stores:

Monobrands. Here the remains of the collection of one manufacturer are sold. Finding them is easy - the name is the same as that of a brand store, but with the prefix “discount” (for example, an Adidas discount store). What’s interesting is that although such markets have an original name, they are located in areas and shopping centers where it is difficult to meet visitors to the brand’s salon.
Multibrands. Here you will find unsold lots of goods from different manufacturers. Often this is not an original product made in China. However, more and more multi-brands are displaying luxury items in their windows.

History of discounts in Russia

A wide segment of the population in our country learned what a discount store is after the August 1998 crisis. Entrepreneurs have accumulated huge stocks of unsold leftovers. The crisis has affected everyone: Russian manufacturers, suppliers of expensive foreign clothing, wholesalers, retailers, who have chosen the middle class as their main audience.

When telling what a discount store is, one cannot help but recall the so-called “confiscates”. They sold goods presented by structures that gave cash secured - products in stock or in circulation. Due to the crisis, borrowers were unable to fulfill their obligations, and banks thus tried to somehow compensate for their losses.

It must be said that the practice of stock trading was already widespread in Europe and the USA by that time, so in Russia all that remained was to put it on the right track.

Discounts and original stores

So what is the key difference between, for example, an Adidas discount store and Adidas Original? The main difference: in a branded market you can buy an item at an affordable price only during a sale. Discounts are stores with constant discounts.

As for the products, they are supplied of the same quality as in the original market. Only, as a rule, these are things from old collections, often in rare sizes. Sometimes they may have a small manufacturing defect.

Discounts and stocks

How, then, does a discount shoe and clothing store differ from a stock store? Or is it the same thing?

A discount is a very large-scale retail outlet of one or several brands. All goods that were not sold in the original store in a year (less often, in half or a year and a half) come here. It also turned out to be unclaimed at sales there. Sometimes clothes and shoes with defects arrive here.

Stock is also quite big commercial premises. It can only be multi-brand - things come here from completely different sources. Most often they turn out to be dealer warehouses. Products end up here not after brand stores, but straight from storage.

In stock you can also find customs confiscated goods (usually made in China). As for its legality, it is usually imported quite legally.

They are full of stock and non-brand clothes that are sold at low prices. There are also things that are out of fashion, items with defects. Examples of stocks - “Fashion Factory”, “Last Name”, etc.

Discounts and outlets

What is an outlet? This is the same clearance store, but always multi-brand. The outlet is not just big, it amazes with its scale. Here you will find items from the shelves of fashion boutiques and collections that are not on sale. Some products even come here straight from the factory assembly line! The outlet has a huge selection of items, varying in price and style.

Depending on the country, they (outlets) have their own advantages. For example, in American ones there are very reasonable prices, and in European ones you can find exclusive products. In Russia, people are more familiar with the addresses of discount stores rather than outlets. The movement is just developing. The first Modapolis outlet was opened in Moscow only in 2011 on the territory largest center"Crocus City Mall".

Another difference between outlets: due to their scale, stores are most often located outside the city. There are also many similarities with discounts: reasonable prices, large selection of things famous brands.

Pros and cons of discounts

In conclusion, let’s summarize the discount stores “Sportmaster”, “Adidas”, “Puma” and others. - Let's present their obvious pros and cons.

Obvious advantages:

low prices;
large assortment;
famous clothing manufacturer;
original collections.

But at the same time, buyers also note annoying disadvantages:

Prices. They can be either low, acceptable, or practically no different from the price tags in original stores. It all depends on the integrity of the discount operator.
Quality. Brand fame does not guarantee that you will purchase a quality product. It may have a defect or be slightly worn. Sometimes discounts also include items from collections that were 10 years old. In addition to their incorrigible fashionable obsolescence, there is another disadvantage here - the physical dilapidation of such products.
Dimensions. As a rule, discounts include a minimum number of items in popular sizes - mostly either too large or too small.
Style. It’s also rare to find something elegant and unusual here. Either this is the “base” of an uncomplicated and simple design (everyday things), or bright, flashy names from past collections that were in fashion for the maximum season. Considering their obsolescence, such products are not for everybody.

So we have looked at the main features of a discount store. Now you know how it differs from the original market, outlet and stock.

Now in full swing winter sales. Discounts in many stores reach 50%, but this is not the limit. A little later prices will drop even lower. In the meantime, let's talk about where it's better to shop - at these same sales or at discount centers, where, in fact, year-round sales of old collections are held. I will say right away that this article is relevant mainly for Russia, although I don’t think that the realities in Ukraine and other CIS countries are noticeably different from those in Russia.

How does a discount center differ from a stock center?

Discount center- this is a retail outlet (usually a rather large one) of a chain of stores. For example, Adidas, Puma, O'stin. The discount center of such a chain receives clothes that could not be sold in a regular store for about one year (less often one and a half, two or six months). It is logical to assume that these clothes (and shoes, of course) remained unclaimed even during sales in this store. In addition, clothes with defects, both invisible and visible to the naked eye, are often sent to the discount center. But, in any case, the origin of clothes and shoes is obvious.

Stock center- this is a retail outlet (also usually large area), where clothing comes from a variety of sources; As a rule, these are dealer warehouses. In most cases, these are clothes that even before retail stores didn’t arrive, it goes to the stock center directly from the warehouse - manufacturer, dealer (intermediary) or chain of stores.

However, the stock center may also receive clothes from a specific store. Often, the stock center (more precisely, the owner company) also purchases clothing independently, usually from Chinese suppliers. There are also stock centers that sell so-called customs confiscated goods. As a rule, these are not entirely legally imported Chinese clothes by budding entrepreneurs.

It is worth saying that it is impossible to draw a clear distinction between stock centers and discount centers. It is difficult to determine the category of a store even by its name (a discount may turn out to be a waste and vice versa). But in terms of content, it’s almost always possible. Stock centers, as a rule, are multi-brand, and clothes (usually non-branded) are sold there at very low prices. Often it has defects of various sizes, but sometimes it looks very decent. It happens that some item goes out of fashion before it even reaches the store counter.

Typical examples of stock centers: “Family Name”, “Fashion Factory - discount center”.

Multi-brand and mono-brand discounts

Stock centers are usually multi-brand. Discounts can be both multi- and mono-brand. It is supplied to a mono-brand store (for example, Puma discount) from one chain of retail stores (Puma). In a multi-brand discount (for example, Rimanenze Dolci) it is supplied from several stores of the operator of a chain of brand stores (for example, boutiques Hugo Boss, Pal Zileri, Iceberg and some others belong to the operator Bosco di Ciliegi).

Multi-brand discounts (with extremely rare exceptions) offer truly original branded clothing. In multi-brand stocks, you can come across both fakes and “werewolf brands” (supposedly Italy, but in reality, say, Türkiye).

Pros and cons of discounts

Stocks have, perhaps, only one advantage - low prices. The main disadvantage is the dubious origin of clothes and shoes and, as a result, their dubious quality. Discounts are better in this sense. Their obvious advantages: low prices, obvious origin of the clothes. Obvious disadvantages: the possibility of stumbling upon clothes with defects, the availability of clothes only from old collections, the presence of mainly large-sized clothes and shoes.

Now let's look at the pros and cons in more detail. Let's start with prices. Prices can be either really low or quite high. It all depends on the integrity of the discount operator. There are very good discount centers with really big discounts; There are also very mediocre ones, with small discounts. In general, there are many reviews about various stores(including discounts) can be found on the website www.tulp.ru. I recommend it.

The obvious origin of clothing, of course, does not guarantee its ideal quality. But in most cases, if a defect is discovered, it can be returned (if this defect was not stated on the price tag or by the seller, and you did not sign a piece of paper indicating the presence of this defect). The clothes may seem slightly worn (they may have been tried on quite a few times).

It is also worth noting that sometimes clothes and shoes sold at discount stores are very old. In especially severe cases, you can stumble upon collections from 2005-2007. And this means not only that things could go out of fashion. This also means that they could simply become dilapidated. Clothes could be tried on at random and significantly stretched. She may be dirty. The shoes could have been stored incorrectly - near a battery, for example. And if it hasn’t been rubbed with cream yet, just tried on at random (without a horn), then the purchase risks turning into a simple waste of money.

Let's say, Italian leather shoes for 15 thousand (with a discount - 7 thousand) that have been in the store for a year, at a discount for another year and a half, of which six months are on the battery, tried on 18 times without a horn and never treated with cream or wax, are unlikely to serve you for many years. Most likely, after a few months you will understand that it would be better for you to buy shoes for this money in a regular store, even if they are not Italian. As a result, you will buy them (ordinary shoes), spending about ten thousand in total.

I’m talking about expensive brands here because such mistakes in the case of expensive shoes/clothing are much more offensive. Of course, if you bought shoes for a thousand rubles, they served you for six months, and you threw them away, you won’t be very upset. And what I’m all about is that when you see shoes from the brand you’ve been dreaming about at a price that’s acceptable to you, you shouldn’t rush to the checkout with them. You need to carefully examine them, ask the seller how old they are, and so on. And then make a decision.

Clothes, as I already noted, can also become worn out over a long period of time. This especially applies to clothes made from thin and delicate fabrics, for example, wool 160-250s. A simple example. At one discount center I take wool trousers (something around 130-160s) and hold them up to the light. And I see that they just shine through! At the same time, there are practically the same normal trousers hanging nearby, for the same price. So I repeat once again - clothes must be carefully inspected! When purchasing at a discount center, you should pay close attention to inspection.

Since I’m talking about trousers, I can’t resist talking about someone else’s experience that I read about on some forum. We bought branded trousers in Italy, in one of the outlets (in fact, multi-brand discount stocks). For a seemingly ridiculous price - 19 euros. They were enough for exactly one day, which ended very badly (the seam came apart). Then these trousers looked at the light and saw a kind of “mesh” into which thin wool had turned.

It must be said that discounts usually have a lot of large-sized items and a small number of small-sized items. In the case of men's sizes: clothes are usually from 50, special freedom for those with sizes 54-56; shirts - usually from 40, especially a lot - 43-44. I can’t say for sure about women’s sizes (for obvious reasons). However, clothes in small sizes are also found. And sometimes its range is quite wide. It depends on the store.

Naturally, discounts also sell things that do not have sizes (with rare exceptions) - accessories. Scarves, shawls, ties, bags, briefcases, wallets, purses and so on. At the same time, please keep in mind that belts, gloves and hats (for the most part) have sizes. Size chart the same gloves are large enough.

Assortment. In discount stores you can usually find so-called basic things - rather boring and nondescript clothes, which, nevertheless, you cannot do without. These are gray and black jeans and trousers, blue shirts and so on. As a rule, a simple and uncomplicated design. It's worth going to a discount for such things.

The other side of the discount assortment is things that are bright, very original and sometimes extremely bold in design, which did not receive much recognition from buyers or were in fashion for a very limited time - say, one season. These are clothes for everyone. T-shirts in wild colors, green jeans with rhinestones and all that jazz. However, at discounts you can also find items of original and at the same time discreet design; elegant. You need to look for yourself (yourself).

Sales

Sales usually feature clothing (and shoes, of course) from relatively recent collections. Currently - mostly from 2012, although, of course, you can stumble upon some kind of antiquities - especially in expensive stores. Prices at sales are sometimes lower than at discount centers, and the selection at the beginning of the sale is very good. At the same time, a standard sale in Russia usually consists of three periods:

Start(usually the first two weeks). Discounts 30% (sometimes 10-30%). The choice is great, there are many sizes.
Middle(usually the next two weeks). Discounts 50% (sometimes 30-50%). The choice is already noticeably smaller. There are few small sizes.
End(before the sale of the last item from the category of those that the store wants to get rid of). Discounts 70% (sometimes 50-70%). The choice is usually extremely narrow. There are very few sizes. The design of the remaining things is not for everyone.

Often the entire sale takes place “in one period” with discounts “up to 50-70%”. The duration of such a sale is usually about a month or slightly more.

I think you have already decided which sales period is best for you to purchase. If you are picky, selective and your clothing/shoe size is small, and you also don’t want to spend a lot of time on shopping, it is better to go shopping at the very beginning of sales. If you are willing to spend half a day shopping, you can go during the height of the sales. If it’s a whole day, you can do it at the end, when the discounts are the biggest.

Finally, if you have large sizes (from 50 for women and from 52 for men), then you can even find a suitable item quite quickly even during the final sales period. Well, it’s wise to buy “oversized” accessories at least in the middle of the sale.

It should be noted that “global”, large-scale sales occur only twice a year: in summer (late June - mid-August) and winter (late December - late February). But many stores also hold off-season sales - in spring and autumn (discounts of about 30%), and also organize various promotions. You can see a list of current sales and promotions that are happening in Russian clothing and footwear stores right now.

A little about the disadvantages of sales

Sales also have a number of disadvantages. The most important ones are the queues in the fitting rooms (the longer the more discount and more popular store), queues at the cash registers. Clothes scattered haphazardly, which sellers do not have time to pack. Constantly busy salespeople: you have to wait until they are free. In addition, the likelihood of stumbling upon an item with defects is higher than in normal times.

Finally, it is worth noting that some unscrupulous stores during the sales period do not provide real discounts of 50-70%, but virtual ones. The old price is pasted with a label with another, higher one (for example, it was 700 rubles, they stuck 1000). And on top of this label there is a sale label, sometimes with the proud inscription “50% discount” (but in fact, at the new price of 500 rubles, the discount is less than 30%). Some quick buyers try to get to the bottom of the real price by carefully peeling off the price tags.

Sales or discounts: which is better?

If you don’t need an item urgently, it’s better to wait for the “50% discount” sale. However, no one is stopping you from strolling through discount stores: maybe the item of your dreams is waiting for you in one of these stores. If you need some strictly defined item, and you also have a small size, then it is better to wait until the sales start (30% discount). Finally, if you need something urgently, then, naturally, you will have to go to a discount store (or to a regular store).

Now let me note the general patterns:

During sales (closer to their end) the discounts are greater than at discounts
Sales include items from newer collections
During sales (especially at the beginning) there is more choice
Sales usually feature newer items (made more recently)
At the initial stage of sales there are more items of small sizes than at discounts

Finally, it is worth saying that many discount stores have independent sales in winter (January) and summer (July). And prices can drop to very low levels.

When purchasing items at discounts and sales, you need to pay special attention to their quality. Look to see if the item has any defects, if the seams are coming apart, if the fabric is frayed, and so on.

It is very important not to lose your head and not buy unnecessary things. For example, let’s say you buy five things on sale for, relatively speaking, 5,000 rubles (with an initial total price of 10,000 rubles). But you will actually only wear three, for 3,000 rubles (the old price is 6,000 rubles). Accordingly, you threw 2000 rubles down the drain, and the real savings on the purchase were not fifty percent, but less than twenty. Such arithmetic.

Finally, don't buy things that aren't your size. For example, there was only size 50 at a discount, and you have 48. And you decided to buy something that is, in general, too big for you. This is, of course, a bad decision. Of course, maybe the thing can be sutured. In general, it’s worth finding out if the store offers a clothing hemming service. Some discounts (and regular stores) offer free tailor/tailor services. In my opinion, it’s a sin to miss the opportunity to use them and adjust clothes to your figure and height.

Happy shopping!

A discount center is a store. But not just any store, but a place where branded items are sold. Their difference from other things is that they simply went out of fashion, and those who understand it will never buy them again. And since branded stores follow fashion, they try to get rid of such unsold remains. As a rule, all this is brought to one place and is already sold here.

The discount center is a pretty decent-looking place. There are shelves, hangers, and even fitting rooms. In general, the store is just like a store. If it were not for one difference - you can buy a branded item here that has gone out of fashion for 2 times cheaper. Sometimes a discount center is located in a basement or semi-basement, and then things are simply piled up here in heaps.

A discount center is not a second-hand store. Nobody wore these things. They are brand new, with tags and even with the old price and original packaging. But here, as in any other store, you can buy a real fake, because few of us can accurately determine by the quality of the seams whether this dress is real, or just a pathetic fake of a well-known brand.

Not only clothes and shoes that could not be sold in a regular company store are sent to the discount center, but also clothes with some defects. They can be either completely invisible or clearly visible, for example, broken locks or heels of boots covered in glue at the seams.

There is also such a thing as stock centers. Clothes from a variety of sources flock here. This includes customs confiscation, and unsold collections from last season in stores, and Chinese items. In addition, the owner of the stock center purchases things himself. But this purchase is carried out from Chinese manufacturers, so branded clothing can be found here much less often.

You can distinguish a stock center from a discount center by what is sold there. Stock centers simultaneously sell clothing from different brands, both well-known and those we have never heard of. The price for such clothes is minimal. Sometimes you can find things with defects here, and sometimes jeans and dresses are brought here from the warehouses of decent stores and from good producers. They were never on the shelves of the store itself, because they had already gone out of fashion. Discount sells only one brand of clothing, and it looks great here.

Drains have only one advantage - low price. But the biggest disadvantage is the dubious manufacturer. And that means questionable quality. Discounts have had better luck. Clothes from fashion boutiques are brought here, and you are much less likely to come across a fake here. But discounts also have their downside - these clothes have long gone out of fashion. In addition, it is difficult to find your size here - discounts most often carry large-sized clothing.

Separately, it is worth noting the fact that shoes and clothing at discount stores are often sold not just old, but very old. These are clothes from the 2009 – 2010 collection. These clothes are not only out of fashion long ago, they are completely dilapidated. In addition, after numerous fittings and transfers, the clothes become very dirty.