Simply Silicon Valley Insider Tip:

Nike Factory Store's FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE begins tomorrow!

EXTRA 30% OFF EVERYTHING.

To receive the coupon, download the free Nike app and sign up to become a NikePlus member (free also). The coupon will come to your app inbox and is valid February 22-26.

A Nike Factory Store opened in West San Jose a couple years ago. I was excited because I love Nike products, so I went shopping as soon as possible. Disappointment quickly set in: the pricing was way too close to full price. I wrote them off and didn't return until last month, on the hunt for socks. I was shocked by the deals surrounding me! They must have changed their pricing strategy; I was like a kid in a candy store.

Right away I got the low down from a sales associate: they have sales every week, Friday-Sunday, with steep mark downs. The best day to shop is Friday, before the weekend crowds pick through the merchandise.

The cherry on top is that their Friends & Family Sale starts tomorrow and continues through Monday, giving an additional 30% off your receipt total. You have to use a coupon to get the discount. Download the Nike app, become a NikePlus member (this is their loyalty program, it's free to join, click here to sign up and find out more), and the coupon will be sent to your app inbox. If its arrival is delayed (as mine was), give the sales associate the email associated with your NikePlus account to apply the one-time-use coupon. This is an extra discount on top of already discounted prices.

3 VERY IMPORTANT NIKE SHOPPING TIPS:

1. Look for the red display signs that say, "Additional ___% off," pictured below. These racks contain the best deals. The most common one is, "Additional 30% off." The Friends & Family coupon is in addition to this discount; it's applied at the end, to your receipt total. Shop smart, and you'll be walking on sunshine.
2. When you check out, your receipt contains a code to take an online survey that's absolutely worth your time (unless you're Bill Gates) because you'll receive a $10 off coupon for a future purchase. Say what?! I even got one when I returned something and purchased nothing. They also give free bags for your shopping pleasure.
3. They have a stellar return policy: Merchandise can be returned for any reason within 30 days of purchase. After 30 days, merchandise must be unworn and unwashed to receive a refund. If something disappoints in the first 30 days, you just take it back, no questions asked, no tags necessary. After 30 days, they don't have a time cap but it needs tags on. What a great insurance policy, this gives me consumer confidence.

Some of my best Nike Factory Store finds (and I haven't even hit them up for a Friends & Family sale):

• Children's running shoes (pictured above) for $29.99—full price, they are $55. With Friends & Family, the same shoes will be $27.99—half off full price. Your best bet is to go on Thursday before the merchandise gets picked through. I'm sure these great looking black sneakers will sell out fast.
• White children's t-shirt with Nike logo for $5.50—full price $18.
• Girls' slim sweats for $15—full price $45. 
• Children's Zoom Pegasus running shoes for $39.99—full price $90.
• Stylish women's work out tank (with an open back) for $21—full price $40.

Happy dealing hunting to you! Come back and tell us about your best finds so we can celebrate with you.