High street closures are bad. But more bargains to be had? Good!

More high street closures means there are brilliant bargains to be found online, on everything from fashion to furniture.

If you've ever wondered what happens to all the unsold items at the end of the sales, the answer may well be that one of a host of websites has bought the 'overstock' from retailers, or from businesses that have gone into administration – and then go on to sell them on at a discounted rate.

DESIGNER STYLE FOR LESS

In asos.com's outlet section, there's always up to 70% off high street and designer brands. These are as varied as Accessorize, Aldo, Converse, Dune, DVF, French Connection, Lipsy, Miss Sixty, Ugg, Warehouse and Winter Kate.

Designer website net-a-porter.com is much too pricey for most people, but theoutnet.com is where all the unsold sale stock ends up, so you can find big name labels like Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs and Victoria Beckham, at up to 70% off.

It's still expensive, but if you're looking to treat yourself to a designer bag, this is a good bet.

We spotted an Alexander Wang 'Diego' leather bag – a favourite with celebs like Vanessa Hudgens, left – reduced by 50% from £695 to £347.50

At getthelabel.com you'll find discounts of up to 80 per cent on mens, womens and childrenswear from big brands like Adidas, DKNY, D&G and Ugg.

STYLISH HOMES ON A SHOESTRING

Offeroftheday.co.uk lists the latest offers from some of Britain's best retailers, such as John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, PC World, Tesco and Debenhams.

We found a stylish electric kettle from Marks & Spencer reduced from £35 to £12.

For furniture, trade-secret.co.uk 'buys cancelled orders, overruns and returned product from the most respected British high street stores and sells off the floor with discounts up to 60% off retail prices'. Their deal of the day was a double wooden bedstead for £149, and a large leather sofa for £750.

For fashion, furniture or other household items, gooddealdirectory.co.uk lists discount outlets, factory shops, secondhand shops, dress agencies and more, in your area.

And governmentauctionsuk.com is the place to go for a list of auctions selling off all manner of goods seized by bailiffs and liquidators, from jewellery to, er, livestock!

WHERE TO GET COUPONS

Finally, don't forget the various voucher websites such as vouchercodes.co.uk, vouchercloud.com and secretescapes.co.uk, which mean there's no need to pay full price for hundreds of everyday products and even spa days and holidays.

So while we're all feeling more squeezed than ever, if you're willing to shop around and be open-minded about what you're looking for, it's still possible to afford a little of what you fancy.

Have you got any top tips for finding bargains? Let us know below!

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