We’ve all been there haven’t we? Coming home with a whole lot of things that we definitely didn’t plan on buying – I still haven’t worn that golden jumper I got 2 years ago!
The Boxing day sales are a great opportunity to find some bargains. Having said that, you can also end up spending a lot more than you anticipated and not wearing or using half your purchases. Based on my London Boxing Day shopping experiences, here are some top tips to help you navigate yourself on the day. The key word is ‘strategy’ – I know, this sounds very serious but, trust me, you need a strategy to get through the day and not feel totally demolished when you get home.
1) Really think about whether there is something you actually need – there is no point in going to the shops aimlessly. If you just want to browse, I would highly recommend staying in your pyjamas and shopping online.
2) Once you know what you want, check whether the item is available online and if it’s better to order it there. Most retailers start their online sales on Christmas Eve.
3) Give yourself a budget – it always helps particularly when you’re about to impulse buy!
4) Decide on location e.g. if you want to go to a particular department store, think about what other shops are nearby. You don’t want to be jumping on buses and trains to get to other places.
5) Check the opening times for the shops you’re interested in and think about how you will get to your chosen shopping destination – there will be limited public transport on Boxing Day.
6) Know your rights – always check the returns policy! Particularly on a day when it’s really busy and you feel pressured to buy something, it’s always good to know that you can return or exchange it if you change your mind. Many shops don’t do refunds on sale items. Oh and remember to keep your receipts safe!
7) The Boxing day sales are best for big buys e.g. electronics, coats and possibly luxury items (who doesn’t like a good handbag or shoes!?) – this point links in with the first. Really know what you want to get before heading out.
8) If you have time, go to the stores you want to visit before hand – this is particularly important for stores like Selfridges or Harrods that are massive. If you know the route before, it will take you a lot less time to get there. I admit to having done this once! 😛
9) Lastly, just enjoy it – although it can be a stressful experience and I’ve seen a number of ‘confessions of a shopaholic’ moments when people start arguing over the silliest things, it can also mean that you save money on some key items so it is worth it if you know what you want.
Hope these tips were useful – please share if you liked them -:)
Any questions, please leave them below!
Zohra's Rose: Lifestyle & Travel 