Holiday Shopping: Pregame Training!

Wool jacket: Goodwill
Simply Vera Long Sleeved
T Shirt: Kohls
Steve Madden Scarf: Stein Mart
Lee Slimming Jeans: Kohls
Liz Claiborne Boots: Marshalls

We all know that holiday shopping is just around the corner…some of you may have already started!! Now, let me ask. Are you the type of person who finds the crowds exhilarating and fun…or are you the one who prefers online shopping? One thing is for sure, there will be some great deals out there this year as retailers attempt to stimulate the economy and their bottom line!!

Here are some tips for those who relish the thought of going out and enjoying the whole experience:

1. Dress Comfortable and do casual with style! It is a fact…you receive better service when you take the time to dress well and put on some make up…you might even catch a cost break for it!! You can do simple things to a pair of jeans just to appear that you took the time to care. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes and be willing to walk…great way to get exercise. And, ladies, prepare to try on clothes for you! After all, there are some great prices out there and you might not want to pass them up!

 

2. Have a plan before you go out. Decide where you are going and gather as many of the coupons as you can from retailers who offer them. Make sure you sign up for email and text message coupons for the retailers you like the most if they offer them. Check the daily newspaper for surprise coupons or deals only available in the paper.
3. Arrive early…YES! the early bird gets the parking space!! It is worth it to get up early…grab some coffee…and be the first to arrive…less hassles all the way around.
4. Do not let crowds or disagreeable people rob you of your Holiday spirit! Be determined to enjoy the experience no matter what happens. You will be surprised how YOUR SMILE can change a disgruntled salesperson in a store and turn them into your best friend. Just know in the beginning that someone will try to make you mad… don’t allow them to do it…it’s their loss of holiday enjoyment…not yours.
5. Most malls and stores turn on too much heat, so try to leave your coat in the car then you do not have to battle carrying a coat with packages.

Ring and Steve Madden Scarf from Stein Mart.
These scarves are so soft and beautiful…would be
a great gift for someone….check off one box on
your list!!
6. You might want to take a large, oversized bag to stuff with packages. You can then be stylish and sling a bunch over your shoulder.
7. Allow yourself a break to re-energize! The Starbuck’s protein plate is $5 of power! Add a fun holiday coffee to this and you can go for hours without a big meal!!
8. Look for the retailers who will match their competitor prices and be willing to hold them to it!! It is worth the time to save any amount of money…you can treat yourself then!!
9. Before you go…get plenty of sleep, hydrate well, and exercise regularly
10. ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE….the most important thing to take with you for shopping!! Do not look at it as a battle, but rather an experience. Go for the deals…the music…the mall Santas…the sights and smells of the season…wrap it all up and top it with a bow!

How many of you prefer the experience of being there to online shopping??

14 Comments

  1. Hi Pam, beautiful scarf!
    Patience when shopping is not one of my virtue, but i will keep in mind your strategy and when i will feel that i am on the verge of loosing patience i will think of you!

    Love you!

    Ariane xxxxx

  2. This made me realize how long it's been since I actually went shopping. I haven't been to a mall for several years, and I haven't partaken of the Black Friday madness since I was in my energetic 30s (20 years ago). Part of it is I have nothing to shop for – for the holidays my family and I just make charitable donations in each other's names, and I exchange a few handmade items with friends. The rest of the year I get my own clothes from thrifts or in my attempts at sewing.
    I don't miss the crowds and the sensory overload of the big shopping experience, but I do sometimes miss the powerful feeling of having money and being able to buy whatever I want.
    Your tips here should help everyone get through their shopping days with energy and a positive attitude.

  3. I LOVE Black Friday shopping- I consider Black Friday a holiday LOL! This year my dear daughter will be joining me for the first year ever. I've told her over & over how much fun it will be 🙂

  4. Wow! What a power shopper YOU are! Me? I go to one store and try and get it done in one fell swoop. I dream of the day we have a xmas shopping day in a little quaint village and buy one gift each. Then have cocktails!
    My brother used to shop Christmas with this rule: Buy a present; buy a drink. It worked!

  5. It's got to be downtown in Montreal and not in a mall. Good style,a smile and a cheerful comment or greeting pretty much sums up my Chistmas shopping philosophy – they always elicit a great response from the harried sales-people.

  6. Pam you look so good in this outfit. Have I told you lately how much I admire your style? I do. I even bought one of the flowy sweaters today that reminds me of your lovely sweaters! I have been admiring yours for so long.
    I do a lot of online shopping but I do still like to get out and about. I had fun today talking with some of the ladies in a local boutique.
    Your tips are excellent. One thing I would like to add to your list is to not leave your valuables in plain sight. We have had a rash of car break-ins at a local shopping area where purses were stolen and car windows broken.

  7. This is sad, but i prefer skipping the traditional holidays………..
    Too much travel, not enough sleep.
    The up-side, we both get to see our parents and other family members!
    I like to get the shopping done soon, but enjoy the hustle/bustle of OTHER shoppers, the music and the laughs over giant cups of cocoa 😉
    xXx
    Reva

  8. This is great shopping advice, Pam! I worked in retail for many years, and being kind and nice to your salespeople (believe me, we don't get many nice customers in the holiday season). Also, getting to stores early (salespeople are fresh and not cranky) and shopping "off" nights, like Wednesday or Thursday nights (salespeople are bored and would love to spend some time helping you).

    I always make a list and plan what I'm going to buy. I also set my budget ahead of time so that I'm not carried away by impulse purchases.

  9. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. Nice Selection.Great lines.thank you.

  10. A great post !!
    Did you mention bringing a girlfriend along ?
    I bring mine and we split up for our different needs and meet back up for refreshments and to compare our findings

  11. For little kid stuff and for Target (my favorite) I go online because they do free shipping over $50 at holiday time. To soak up the mall experience my daughters and I volunteer at the Salvation Army Angel Tree in our local mall.

  12. I like to go to the mall for exercise and the crowds for some awesome people watching. However, as my family lives all over the country, I do my shopping online. And it is actually less expensive than buying, lugging home, wrapping and shipping all myself. (And I really don't enjoy the wrapping part.) My hubby and I have gone to the mall on Friday after Thanksgiving for the last 30 years….he loves it as much as I do! We smile at everyone and some people even smile back! 😉 Cheers!

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