The Children's PlaceWhat to buy for kids and what discounts there are

The Children's Place is the largest US chain of kids' clothing under its own brand: basic T-shirts, jeans, pajamas, school uniforms and outerwear for kids from birth to 14-16 years old. There are kids' shoes too - sneakers, sandals, boots - plus backpacks, hats and hair accessories, but the selection differs in every store. Prices are lower than Carter's and Gap Kids, especially during sales.

What makes it good, in my experience: the clothes are bright, cute and cheap, with lots of prints, and the selection turns over fast - new items show up all the time.

There are stores in regular malls and in outlet centers. In recent years the chain shrank by almost half and now has about 440 stores in the US, but the closings have stopped and the chain is opening stores again, including standalone Gymboree stores. Before you go, check the nearest one on the map on the website.

• Discounts are almost constant: on the whole store or on categories, plus clearance on separate racks.
• Prices change often - compare the price tag in the store with the app.
• In summer there are deals on almost every rack. In my experience there are racks where all the tank tops are $3-4.
• The best time is the end of summer: summer clearance with 60-80% off coincides with back to school (July-August), when there are big sales on school uniforms and basic clothing. Around July 4 there can be discounts of up to 75%.
• It is also worth catching Black Friday and the January clearance.