I’m a bargain hunter – five things to always buy at The Range and the three things to avoid
THE Range is the place to go to find a stylish bargain, making it a great option if you’re shopping on a budget.
As rising costs continue to batter shoppers’ pockets, it’s important to make sure you’re spending your cash on the right items.
That’s why it’s really helpful to know exactly what you should buy and what you could probably leave behind on the shelf.
We spoke to bargain hunter Liyana Leena about her top picks at the discount store – as well as those that you shouldn’t spend your cash on.
The 34-year-old is a content creator and influencer who runs the BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range Facebook group.
She regularly shares her tips and tricks on social media and on her YouTube channel @LiyanaLifestyle.
Liyana told The Sun: “I love bargains and know others do too, seeing as I love taking people around with me on virtual tours for my YouTube channel, I also take photos to post on my group.
“I like people saving money when they can and grabbing a deal, I’ve always enjoyed helping people especially now with the cost of living.”
One of Liyana’s prime discount shops is The Range, she says it’s particularly good at providing shoppers “high end product at fraction of the price”.
She added: “They do really great seasonal and holiday items too.
“It has unique stock, great selection, high quality and good prices that keep customers happy. Its home decor is stylish and trendy.”
We asked Liyana what her top items to always buy at The Range are and which items she might suggest you buy elsewhere.
Seasonal and holiday items
One of the top things Liyana would recommend picking up when you’re at The Range is seasonal and holiday items.
She said: “The Range honestly offers some of the best quality and range of items.
“Its product selection is different to any store, it’s high end and actually looks good in your home.”
Liyana pointed out that she’s always particularly taken with how “on trend” the items are.
No matter the season, the chain is always keeping check of what shoppers are liking right now and filling their aisles with those bits.
Right now the store is stocked full of autumnal items, getting everyone ready for the chillier season.
She added: “It’s always on top of trends so for example if you walk into The Range right now, you’ll see lots of gorgeous cosy autumn pumpkin and Gonk products.
“Gonks and pumpkins are all the range right now, and as usual The Range are well aware of what people want!”
For example, we found that The Range is selling a lovely stylish porcelain pumpkin for just £4.99, while a similar item costs £16.50 at Dalby Home Interiors.
Kitchenware
“The Range has the biggest kitchenware sections from any other bargain store,” Liyana said.
That’s why the kitchen range is next one her list of items to always buy at the store.
She added: “What I love is that it has something for everyone.
“Every colour, texture, and style you’d want or need.
In particular, she likes the heart designed items, basic and minimal designs, its Japanese and Moroccan styles, as well as farmhouse style.
“They are all so affordable and you can kit your entire kitchen out,” she said.
Among the items available at the chain are dinner sets, mugs, table covers and place mats, trays, and electronics.
As an example, we found a 12-pack of dinner plates for £16.66, and a similar stack of plates at Ikea for double the price.
Arts and crafts
Liyana’s next pick is the huge array of arts and crafts available at bargain discount prices.
She said: “The Range win when it comes to art and craft items.
“It has an absolutely huge range and you can find so much.”
According to the bargain hunter, there are all sorts up for grabs depending on your chosen medium.
She said: “Whether you’re a general crafter, paper crafter, artist, or simply like kits such as diamond paintings, paint by numbers or crafts for children..you’ll find everything you need here and more.
“Much cheaper than Hobby Craft too!”
These kinds of kits and sets are perfect for presents too, particularly for children.
We found a paint by numbers set for £3.99 on The Range website, that’s £6 cheaper than some sellers on Amazon.
Of course, it’s important to compare prices too and make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sites like PriceSpy and Google Shopping can help you do this.
Wedding items
Anyone planning a wedding in the near future should head down to The Range, according to Liyana.
She said that the chain offers a wide amount of items which still look stylish and fancy.
In particular, she likes that there are several options for those who want ready-made bits and those who want to build it themelves.
Liyana said: “The Range always offers gorgeous luxurious wedding decor that you can buy or get creative with and make it your own.”
Flowers specifically, which can be pretty expensive, can be found for bargain prices at the discount chain.
She added: “You’ll pay way less here for beautiful flower bouquets, moss, wreaths, lanterns, glass bowls and more!
“Whether you’re looking for centrepieces or wedding favours.”
We managed to find a huge range of fake flower bouquets on The Range website for just £7.99 – the same size bouquet can cost as much at £85 on specialist websites.
Wall art and decor
Making The Range a one-stop shop for all your decorating needs, there is a huge array of art and decor too.
There’s a huge variety including paintings, lanterns and lamps too.
She said: “From mirrors of every style and size, to beautiful wall art and canvases.
“You’ll find stunning decor in every style you’d want, shabby chic, comic art, animals, nautical and more.
“I’m always leaving with a new side table, lantern or wall art! Guilty!”
We managed to find a 131cm mirror for just £25, while a similar mirror costs £40 from retailers like Ikea.
The bargain hunter added that she enjoys the compliments she gets on her homeware bought from The Range.
“My favourites lately have been Moroccan-inspired pieces, I got a gorgeous lantern and tray – which I added legs to and turned into a side table,” she added.
What to avoid from The Range:
Of course, not everything is worth your money at The Range, and some things you might be able to find for cheaper elsewhere.
One of these things for Liyana is hair and skin care.
She said: “They really don’t do much hair care or skin care and when they do it’s usually very cheap and the ingredients just aren’t great.
“Stick to Home Bargains for some good stuff at a good price!”
Another of the items which maybe you should leave on the shelf is toys and games for your kids.
“Though The Range has a good selection when it comes to toys and games, it’s a lot more expensive than what you can get elsewhere,” Liyana added.
“I personally shop for these items from Home Bargains and Poundland.”
She also added that because children get bored quickly or break things there’s “no point paying more”.
Finally, another item that Liyana thinks might be better off leaving where it is bathroom decor.
She said: “Its stock is very limited and overpriced for these items.
“Go to Primark instead; it has a lot more variety and it’s a lot cheaper there too.
“It also updates and refresh its bathroom decor more regularly than The Range does.”
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