Thanksgiving and Black Friday are among us friends! Who else is out there enjoying these pre-Black Friday deals?! Working in retail, especially through the holidays, I have observed a few things that may make your life easier when you shop in stores. Hopefully you will find these few tips helpful through the craziness of this season.
1. Find an associate and ask for the deals but MOST IMPORTANTLY the exclusions to the deals.
This is one of the biggest bummers for both the customer and workers. It's easy to not fully understand what the promotions are in the store due to how the marketing is. It will actually save you time to read the fine print on the promo signs that to not pay attention than to get the end of your shopping time to realize half your stuff is not as low as you think. Also, another tip is to become buddies with that brand ambassador. I love when customers come with questions and needs, because at the end they have found everything they need in less time and I feel successful in knowing they have found what they need.
2. Do your research before you walk in the store.
This kind of flows with the knowledge of promotion. If you are able to research your promotions online you may be able to save more. Also, look to see what the store offers on their website. Some websites, such as, Gap Inc. have an option to find that item in your nearest store. You can then put your item on hold and skip the search time in the stores as well as saving your item if you can't get it in time.
3. Have a small wallet specifically for the card you will use, your license, and cash separate from your normal wallet.
I love my big wallets, but sometimes I just need the essentials and nothing else in the way. You don't have to dig around you have it all there and easy to whip out.
4. Bring your own big bag or backpack that you find comfortable.
This may sound like it defeats the purpose of #3, but you need both! Instead of carrying many bags that tend to get in the way you can carry just one. The bags at
TJ Maxx's (or their other brands) checkout line are cheap and can carry a lot.
5. Bring your pick me up drink/snack.
You will probably send more time in line at Starbucks, even if you ordered through the app, with the holiday lines. Make it easier on you and have your favorite coffee in a sealed or to-go cup that way you can get right to shopping. Same thing with snacks. Shopping makes you hungry, so stay fueled and skip the lines and extra money by packing your own snacks.
6. Pray for patience before you leave your house, while, you're in the car, when you step in the store, and when you wait in line.
Patience is essential for holiday shopping. It's a crazy time and it can be stressful depending on the shoppers and workers around you. So be patient and understanding. Everyone wants to get things done and they don't want to wait, but it is essential to take turns and understand the waiting process. You will get out with what you want and you will get out within a decent time, so don't stress yourself. Have a book on your phone and read it while you munch on your snacks in line or while you wait on some help.
7. Look at full price items.
Depending on the store/sales. The full price items will be your best bet. The sale items are normally first marked around 20% off, so really full price isn't much more for newer styles.
8. BE KIND
It's the holiday season. It's supposed to be joy filled and excited and a peaceful time all around. The best way to enjoy your holiday shopping is to not think about the craziness around you but what it should be. I promise you, with that mind set you will become the joy filled person in line and it will show through. It will change what happens around you. Think of it like when a baby comes in the room just smiling and giggling; it instantly lightens up the room. Be that light.
Thanks for stopping by, and happy shopping!
