Shop this January with a secret code for real bargains.

It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of the sales. With all the discounts retailers highlight, it can be hard to resist buying something, even if you don't want or need it. Treating yourself to a bit of retail therapy is fine - but if you want to get the most out of your money, Casey Major-Bunce, a money-saving influencer from Portsmouth, has a sale shopping tip that is a must: check the label.

According to Casey, each item of clothing has a tiny tag in the waistband or side seam with a code that tells you when the item was made. It also tells you the year and the season it was made for (spring, summer, autumn, or winter). Additionally, the RN number can be looked up online to see when the piece first hit stores. If it's old stock, it's not the best deal. But if it's a staple item that'll stand the test of time, it may still be worth it.

Casey also shared a few more savvy ways to make sure you're getting a good value for money in the sales. She suggests peeling back the stickers to see if there's a lower price underneath. Additionally, discontinued tech items usually end in .98, while ex-display products end in .97. This means the store might be looking to get rid of their stock, so if you ask for an extra discount, you might get it.

When shopping online, engaging with the AI chatbot or customer service representative might get you a code for an extra 10% off sale prices. Casey also advises going to the back of stores as this is where the best discounts are. New Year sales typically start on Boxing Day, but there are often further reductions on January 2 - so it might be worth waiting for bigger savings.

Finally, it's important to keep a sense check. Before you buy something, ask yourself if you need it, and if you can afford it. Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis also recommends making a list and sticking to it to avoid impulse buying. He suggests benchmarking prices with shopbots before hitting the high street.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to get the best out of the January sales. Good luck!

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