The state of Pennsylvania is well known among bargain hunter circles for its tax free clothing and shoes. If you're planning a shopping trip to the state, you'll want to set your sights on Philadelphia, the state's largest city. Not only does it have shops that sell everything you need from growers supplies to grandfather clocks, it's also got what we bargain hunters love: competition! With so many options to choose from, you're bound to find a good deal. Here's some advice on finding it.

Sale Racks

You may think that you have to avoid upscale downtown boutiques like Boyds and the shops on Rittenhouse Square if you want a bargain, but even stores with usually hefty price tags offer discounts on sample pieces and last year's model of vanity cabinets. So if it looks interesting, go inside and sniff around near the back for the sale rack to find something you can afford.

Get off the Beaten Path

The glitziest, most advertised stores are generally not the ones with the affordable price tags. If you want unique merchandise without the huge price, look in the less traveled shopping areas. There you'll find designer duds in affordable shops like the Kimberley Boutique and Viv Pickle. Also don't be afraid to go second hand - you never know what you'll find.

Outlet Malls

A girls' day out in Philly starts with redeeming massage gift certificates and ends with retail therapy at outlet malls like Franklin Mills or Philadelphia Premium Outlets. If you're not feeling up to a wide ranging hunt, these malls offer designer brands at discount prices all under one roof.

Clip Coupons

If you're serious about hunting bargains, you know that clipping coupons isn't just for pensioners. Flip through your flyers for coupons for discount postcard printing or two for ones in popular stores - whatever you currently need. You can also visit websites like www.merchantcircle.com, where they compile the offers available in the city for you.

Barter

While the hardware store isn't likely to be talked into giving you a discount on your cable ties, vendors at street and flea markets are often flexible in their asking price, so don't forget to ask! There are regular flea markets all over the city, including the Penny Flea Market, the Market at the Piazza, and the Quaker City Flea Market that would be perfect for this type of bargain hunting.