The 101 on Retail 101

Imagine a place where you can get Free People and Anthropologie at H and M prices — from clothing to housewares. That place does exist, at Retail 101 in Naugatuck, CT.

TikTok really exposed this hidden gem, and I was dying to make the trip up. This past weekend, I can finally say that I can cross it off of my bucket list.

The hours and locations of the sale vary, so before you make the trip, it is highly recommended that you take a look at their website. There are many mixed reviews on Retail 101, but I will say that it is definitely worth the trip if you like to hunt for a bargain. Inventory changes weekly; so, like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, you really need to commit to checking it regularly and to spending some time looking through everything.

I did not take any photos of or in Retail 101 during my visit, because it was just so overwhelming. However, I did pick up a few Free People clothing items. I got 6 pieces of clothing for $70. The most I paid for a single piece of clothing was $11.99. Yes. $11.99 for Free People jeans.

That said, they had everything including Anthropologie mugs to Free People Movement active wear to trendy pieces of Urban Outfitters clothing. There was aisles and aisles of coaches, mirrors, dressers, and more.

The deal of Retail 101 is this: many of the items are slightly flawed, or overstock of items from previous seasons. Many of the items were damaged, or had something missing from them. That is why the items are the price that they are. That being said, if you’re good with sewing, or just creative, then you can score major deals.

If you are planning to go to Retail 101, here are a few tips that I have of things I wish I knew before making a visit:

1. Wear layers: There are fitting rooms available for you to try things on. However, they are not the most private or fanciest dressing rooms. So, to make things easier on yourself, wear layers and even things that you can get in and out of easily.

2. Don’t look for anything specific: Retail 101 is a hit and miss kind of place; therefore you can’t look for anything specific. However, if you’re looking for clothes for a specific purpose, i.e. workout or work, then I think that it will be okay.

3. Go back the first day in the morning: Yes, it’s hard to make it there during the week. However, the rumor mill is that the best time to go to Retail 101 is in the morning on the first day (Thursday). That way, you can get the best to choose from.

4. Block off time: Last but certainly not least, block off time to thoroughly go through everything that Retail 101 offers. There is a lot to shift through, so it’s important to make sure that you’re not rushed in anyway, shape, or form.