We initially published this story as an exclusive for our newsletter subscribers on March 11, 2024, but we liked it so much we’re putting it up on the site, too. If you’d like to sign up for the Strategist newsletter, you can do so here.
Welcome to How I Pick My Picks — a kind-of-regular newsletter series in which we check in with the Strategist staff on the stuff they’re using day-to-day, the products they’re testing for stories, and the things their friends and family won’t stop asking them about. Consider it a peek into the always-whirring brain of a Strategist writer. Today, we talk to deals editor Sam Daly.
I’ve been the deals editor at the Strategist for just over a year (and reading it a lot longer). I’ve found that the secret to spotting a good deal comes down to knowing our site really well. In my personal life, I know a fair bit about home décor, fashion, and beauty, but I heavily rely on the careful research of my colleagues when I want to suggest which on-sale frying pan or wireless earbuds you should buy. So when I catch word of a sitewide sale at Dermstore, I’m not overwhelmed by the thousands of discounted items; my eyes glide across the pages, and I can spot our best-in-class dry shampoo, makeup remover, and tinted sunscreen.
My other tip for hunting down a bargain? Get organized. I start my mornings by scrolling through my tried-and-true hit list — like Amazon, Nordstrom, REI, and Sephora — to see if any new discounts have cropped up overnight. I’ll also check my Google calendar, where I keep running tabs for the start dates of any “special” sales happening that day, like a warehouse sale at Ban.do or a birthday sale at Brooklinen.
And if you want even more deals beyond my daily posts on our site, I also write our Friday Sales newsletter. Each week, I rustle up five more sales just for our email subscribers — and you can count on some Strategist-exclusive discounts in there, too.
What’s the product friends and family always ask for your advice on?
Even before I began writing for the Strategist, I was rarely anywhere except the sale section. While my friends often ask me to keep my eyes peeled for certain products, I’m the one bombarding them with texts and links if I see a particularly good sale. Like “Hey I know you’ve been looking for a new pair of ballet flats — Camper’s are 30 percent off right now,” etc.
What’s the best way to get a good deal on, say, a pair of jeans?
Don’t settle for sales that are less than 20 percent off. It’s so easy to find denim from staple brands like Levi’s and Madewell for at least 30 percent off; you just have to have patience. I got my first pair of Levi’s Ribcage ankle jeans on sale for $28 (they’re normally $98).
What sales are you currently keeping tabs on?
I’m keeping a running tab of mattresses and vacuums that are on sale each month. My scientific conclusions: Nearly every mattress brand runs a year-round sale (with minor adjustments like an extra 5 percent off or a set of free pillows with your purchase); and you can always find at least one robot vacuum from Eufy or iRobot on sale (and though you may not get all the bells and whistles, you aren’t paying more than a couple hundred dollars).
What’s the last thing you bought?
I just purchased this stretchy two-piece Youswim swimsuit (in Saffron) from Depop last week. I’ve had the one-piece version (in the color Espresso) for about four years now, which I love dearly and always get compliments on. I’ve always hated swimsuit shopping because my body shape seems to fluctuate every year, but these accommodate several sizes in one so you don’t have to worry about that. And they’re just so comfy!
What’s the most expensive product you own?
Definitely my mattress. It was on sale, as most mattresses always are — which I wrote about here — but only by about 10 percent (which hurt my deals-editor heart that it wasn’t discounted even more, but what can you do?). Still, that’s $100 I got to spend on something else instead!
If you had to spend $1,000 at Nordstrom, what would you buy?
Even as someone who has been online shopping professionally for nearly seven years, I’m surprised at just how much stuff Nordstrom carries. The beauty department is always excellent — it’s where I found my new favorite perfume — and nearly always a few Strategist-approved things are on sale. I would also pop by the home and designer departments; I could definitely go for Paloma Wool knitwear or a Marimekko duvet cover.
What are some open tabs on your computer right now? What’s on your list that you can’t bring yourself to buy just yet?
I have a very long wish list in my Notes app, which has considerably cut down the number of tabs I have open. I revisit the list a few times per month to check for sales and ask myself if I really want that $100 Isamaya eye-shadow palette after all. (Turns out I don’t.) I am currently eyeing this lock necklace from Marla Aaron as well as this sport skort from Girlfriend Collective. I have it in black already and practically live in it during summertime — I’m just debating whether I want to get another neutral, like the Earth shade, or go for something fun like Prism.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
