I didn’t always bargain shop. In fact, just about three years ago, I was disgusted by the idea. Now, however, I live by it.

Bargain shopping, to me, makes “cents.” Why pay more for an item than needed?

Stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are close to campus and offer attractive prices. I’ve learned some secrets that hopefully will convince you to try this kind of shopping. It will be like you are reading an entry in a diary – if I had one.

First off, I’m sure most of you, except those already practicing bargain shoppers, give in to the retail prices at department or mall stores because of the challenge Marshalls and T.J. Maxx can bring.

I agree that it can be tricky, but knowing a few tips can help you from feeling overwhelmed.

It’s helpful to get on the mailing lists to know when clearance sales happen and to get further reductions on already low prices.

All of these stores have Web sites, too. So you can check them regularly to see new lines or to know how you can get to their closest store.

Also, try calling each store to ask when they receive shipments. Learning when they get items in will allow you the fullest selection on those days.

Clothes – both men’s and women’s – are typically the biggest attraction to these types of stores, but the departments of home décor, shoes, furniture and luggage are strong as well.

You can easily find great apartment accessories, gifts or bath items. The option of lay-away is also available.

The majority of the popular brands, including American Eagle, Express, Polo, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nine West, Nike and Calvin Klein, are regularly in stock – just after they have been released at the expensive stores.

It does take a bit of patience to work through the racks, but if you know how each store arranges its merchandise, you will be at an advantage.

Racks of clothes that have just arrived will be separated from clearance racks. Items are always 30 to 80 percent reduced from the retail price.

Sweaters and jeans are the most expensive clothing item you will find, but they’re typically $19.99 to $29.99.

T-shirts and shorts are only $9.99 to $14.99. If you score big on the clearance racks, you can find items as low as $2.

This summer I was buying new items for my apartment, and I stumbled upon a Milano mirror. It’s silver, and it can be set on an easel or hung on a wall.

It didn’t have a price on it, so the cashier ended up giving it to me for a really good price. I think I just lucked out because he was being lazy, but still, it looks hot in my room.

Another advantage of shopping at stores with many departments is that instead of going several places to buy all the items you need, you can find your assortment of items in just one stop.

Plus, going to stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx will help give you a more unique wardrobe.

In chain stores, the new items will be featured, and an entire rack of the same top or the same pants will be there.

Shopping at bargain stores eliminates the fear of wearing the same threads as others on campus because assortments of many brands are arranged together.

I think it’s time for you to change “wear” you are shopping. Don’t let high-end retail stores take advantage of you, because you can gain a lot from shopping at stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx.

I encourage you to give these tips a shot, and soon you might become as addicted to bargain shopping as I am-just leave some good finds for me.

~ Colleen Mahoney is a communications junior from Mobile, Ala.