Shops
nationwide are in preparation of slashing their prices as mega high street
price wars gets under-way.
But with
millions of people hitting the stores up and down the country, how can you
ensure you get everything you need – and survive the chaos?
1) Plan your trip
Do not
wander aimlessly into town weaving your way through crowds. Make sure you adopt
a targeted approach and know which shops have sales and what time they start. You
will shop much more effectively that way. Check the websites of each shop for
full information on times.
2) Arrive early
The
earlier the better in order to get the pick of the best items; some shops will
have huge queues outside so you might have to arrive before official opening
hours if you really want the best bargains.
3) Eat before you go
You don’t
want to be held back by a rumbling stomach. So eats lots before you leave the
house, bring snacks with you and don’t forget a bottle of water. It might be
freezing cold outside but the heating will be cranked up in stores and you’ll
need to keep hydrated. Jasmin Birtles of Moneymagpie.com says: “Eat before you
go and make sure you plan lots of coffee breaks. When you’re hungry, that’s the
time you will buy rubbish.”
4) Know what you are looking for
Do your
research before you set out so you know exactly what you are looking for. Spend
time checking websites of your favourite shops so you know which items to keep
an eye out for. If you’re looking for clothes, take a look at your wardrobe
before you go and see where the gaps are so everything you buy is useful.
5) Don’t bother trying things on
Queues
for the changing room will be long and stressful so save time by sizing up the
item without trying it on. Wear layers so that you can put tops/jackets/knitwear
over the top of the clothes you are wearing. That way you won’t roast in the
hot stores either.
6) Be decisive
If in
doubt pick it up and hold onto it!
You can
spend time deciding while you are walking around the shop looking at other
things, or even in the queue – but you don’t want to be left disappointed when
the shopper next to you advantage of your dithering.
7) Hit the more expensive shops/
products first
The best
savings in sales can be made on luxury items so look out for leather jackets,
cashmere scarves and high quality bath towels. It’s these products that are
really worth hunting down as they are good quality will last and will be
investment buys.
8) Don’t buy for the sake of it
Whilst
sale shopping there’s a tendency to grab anything in sight, just because it’s
on sale but it’s important to think clearly and calmly about whether you are
making a saving.
Something
that will go straight in the cupboard and never see the light of day is only
going to clutter up your house. And it is certainly not a bargain if you never
use it. If it’s clothing, try to imagine if the time will go with what you
already have at home – if you’re struggling to pair – maybe consider leaving
it.
9) Buy for next Christmas/ look for
presents
Shop
specifically for things for next Christmas like cards, wrapping paper and
presents.
Jasmine
Birtles says: “Stock up on presents for next Christmas and birthdays throughout
the year and next by buying gift boxes – they will be vastly reduced.”
10) Shop online
If you
can’t face any of the above then simply sit back and shop from the comfort of your
own sofa. No crowds, no queues – well maybe a queue at the check out – and no
fighting with other shoppers. You’re likely to spend less too.
Don't forget to see how much you can save with Discount Insurance; visit:
www.discountinsurance.co.uk or call: 0800 294 4522
Gaurav Ahluwalia
marketing@discountinsurance.co.uk
