Forget impulse buying. When it comes to the sport of shopping, the name of the game is sales. And when you're talking high-end luxury goods, not just any sale will do.

"Most people aren't buying retail anymore," says Kathryn Finney, style expert and author of The Budget Fashionista. "A couple of years ago, you were seeing rock-bottom prices on Vivienne Westwood pieces in places like TJ Maxx." As a result, she says, retailers are being forced to match these kinds of deals.

Still, finding them is not as easy as it seems. To succeed, you need to shop like a professional. We're here to help--by compiling a list of the world's most anticipated sales and some tips on how to make the most of them.

Final Call
To start your year off on a savvy shopping note, hit one of the most famous retail sales in this country--the Neiman Marcus Final Call. While the dates are never pre-publicized, shoppers in the know can assume it happens in January to move the winter merchandise, and again in July to move the summer product. What will you find? Top brands ranging from Chanel and Tocca to Brioni and Lacoste for men.

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"We never disclose when exactly the sale happens--not even to our In Circle (Neiman Marcus' version of VIP) clients," says Ginger Reeder, a spokeswoman for Neiman Marcus. "But those that have personal relationships with sales associates will sometimes get a call that the sale will be happening soon and will hold merchandise for you. That's the only way to know before anyone else."

Off 5th
Likewise, sales associates at Off 5th, the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet store, will give card holders a call to take a sneak peak of discounted merchandise prior to sales in late January/early February and August. If you had your eye on a Prada coat, a D&G sweater or Zegna suit that never seemed to go on sale at Saks, more than likely Off 5th will have it or will call other locations to see if it is there.

Harrods and Printemps
January is also a key sale month for shoppers in London and Paris as two of the world's top stores--Harrods and Printemps--roll out the deep discounts. Harrods cuts prices on everything--from high-end couture to the ready-to-wear collections--up to 50 per cent. This is also a great time to hit housewares, electronics and accessories. It's a similar story at Printemps in Paris which sweetens things even more, offering an extra 10 per cent off for tourists.

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Ron Herman
One of Los Angeles' most anticipated January sales happens at the high-end boutique Ron Herman. Housing brands like Pucci, Chloe, M for Missoni, and Phillip Lim 3.1., the sale runs and lasts two weeks, with items discounted between 50 per cent and 65 per cent. For an added bonus, all merchandise goes on sale for 70 per cent off during the last week.

Barneys
Not enough? Then wait another week, when the famous Barneys Warehouse Sale kicks off in L.A., offering big-time brands at discounted prices (the New York City sale starts in mid-February).

Known as a luxury-item free for all, Barneys can be overwhelming if you let it. Simon Doonan, the company's creative director, suggests shopping during off hours, using the bags that are handed to you upon arrival and hanging on to merchandise until you are sure you don't want it.

Others
While spring and summer are not usual months for major retail sales, San Francisco hosts one of the largest sample sales for premium denim in March, called the "Warehouse Sale," with brands like Seven for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity discounted below wholesale. In Montevarchi, Italy, the Prada outlet called "Space" hits its sample-sale peak during the summer months, with shipments of shoes, belts, shirts and suits coming in daily all at prices worth the hour drive out of Florence.

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Also check out the Hong Kong Shopping Festival, happening throughout the summer months. Visitors can take advantage of discounted prices for custom made shirts and suits, in addition to large sales in specialty stores like Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gucci.

To end the year, hit the Chelsea Premium Outlet's "Midnight Madness" sale, where all stores open at 12 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. The store has locations across the US, as well as a number in Japan and one in Mexico City.

Great tips, all. But Budget Fashionista's Finney warns against getting carried away. "It's only a deal when you are really going to wear your items," she says. "Buying forty t-shirts with bold graphics on them for five dollars each makes sense if you think you are going to get a long run out of them, but don't get them if you think you are never going to wear them. Spend the money and get something a little more expensive like a Burberry coat if you think you are going to get some wear out of it."