It seems that anyone who left their Christmas shopping until the last minute has been rewarded.
Not with quiet shopping centres, empty carparks and queue-less checkouts. No.
They’ve been rewarded with sales that seem to each year get an even bigger jump on the traditional Boxing Day sales.
Don’t worry though, if you’ve got a Boxing Day mission planned. There will be another round of reductions.
And if your Christmas wishlist includes gift cards, then Boxing Day and the days following should very much be in your sights.
That $20, $50 or $100 or more gift card will go so much further.
BUT.
How to shop the sales is all about strategy and planning. Get that right and your hard-earned dollar will go even further.
8 tips for how to shop the sales
1. Edit your wardrobe first. I KNOW, you’re thinking when will that woman stop banging on about that? The short answer is never. EVER. Knowing exactly what is in your wardrobe is key to always having something to wear. It’s also key to knowing what you need to add to it. (Need tips on how to edit your wardrobe? Head on over to this post OR pick up a copy of my book, Unlock Your Style).
2. Make a list. I use my phone for this – either the Notes app or Wunderlist – or go old-school and use a piece of paper and pen. I don’t care how you do the list, just do it. This list helps you to not only shop for the gaps in your wardrobe, it helps you stay focussed on the task at hand and not get seduced by the types of clothes you already have – or the heavily sequinned ones (oops, maybe that’s just me?).
3. Allocate more of your shopping budget to buying summer wardrobe basics. Maybe you need shorts? Maybe your t-shirt collection is lacking? Maybe it’s finding a great pair of work shoes? Whatever those summer essentials are – spend most of them first before buying the show ponies.
4. Start your shopping day at opening time. Not only will the racks and shelves be neat and tidy, you won’t have to fight so many people for the change rooms. It will be just less stressful all round. Work it well with your list and you’ll be home or out to lunch before everyone else has even made a start.
5. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take on and off. You MUST try on everything you’re potentially buying. No time to try? Walk away. In summer, I wear a loose dress, no zips and shoes I can easily slip off.
I always opt for nude underwear as well – that way if you’re trying on a sheer garment you have a better idea of how it will look than if you’ve headed out in your black lace undies.
6. If you’re shopping the sales online, take your measurements before you start your clicking frenzy. Having your bust, waist and hip measurements on hand will help you better match up with your potential purchase. If you’re an online pro, you’ve already signed up to all your favourite stores’ email alerts. If you’re still getting the hang of this online shopping thing, these emails are key to staying in the know as to when sales or special offers are happening.
7. Stay focussed. Keep to your list. Tick off your needs first. Be conscious of what you’re buying.
8. Do not buy a new piece of clothing JUST BECAUSE it’s on SALE. That’s right, you read correctly. Just because something is a bargain, doesn’t mean it should come home with you. Justify the purchase because it fits with your current wardrobe, your lifestyle and your wardrobe personality. If it ticks all those boxes and you save a few dollars, then that, my friends, is what we call WINNING.
Good luck. May the shopping gods be with you.
Tell me … will you be shopping the sales? What are you looking for? Got any tips to add?
Comments 18
Its lovely to shop the SALES, i love to do it. And thanks for some basic points to be considered for it. It makes a lot of difference while shopping sale.
http://alwaysinstyle.com.au/
I’ve hit the sales earlier this week. Not sure there will be much left for boxing day sales. Love all your tips. I will definitely be doing a wardrobe cull in the New Year. x
They’ve all gone very early Bec – the emails coming in today would make your cry if you bought yesterday or last week! x
Hi Nikki, do you have the details of the lovely handbag in your photo above? I love it!!!
It’s a MYOHMY saddle bag http://www.tribetrading.com/about-myomy/sample-products-myomy/myomy-saddle-bag/ x
I don’t know if I will be hitting the sales…not sure of the shopping options in Mackay. But if there is a sale you can bet my daughter-in-law and I will give it a good crack. I really don’t need anything. We are planning hitting the shops for a well deserved pedicure each, with the youngest and Miss 8, leaving the ‘big boys’ home with their Dad and Grandpa. But you know, if I see something I really like I might just have to indulge! 🙂
I don’t need anything either Kathryn! Sometimes I just go for a look!! (breaking my own rules) – love the pedi idea x
Well done Lisa … and yes, those birthday cards need to hit the sales! x
I’ve edited about a quarter of my wardrobe and have it hanging beautifully on new velvety non slip hangers. Thanks to that I know I’m right for summer tops but will be looking for dresses, bottoms and black strappy sandals.
Oh YAY … well done Ingrid! Love that you have your hit list sorted too!
Excellent tips! I plan on spending some of my time off over Christmas doing a major edit of my wardrobe. I already know where I’ve got some gaps, but will definitely be writing a list of the purchases I need to make.
You and me both! So much clutter it’s driving me nutso! x
Following on from some recent wardrobe editing, I have come to one conclusion: I have too much stuff!
So, while I have some discounted Frankie4 wedges on the way to me now, I really don’t need anything in the sales.
Good pick-up on the wedges Johanne! And yes, the wardrobe edit can be an eye opener. I’ll be doing one between Christmas and New Year!
thanks nikki!
yes i’m pretty practiced at hunting out the sales and bargains!
the thrill of the chase! I like to do it intuitively but I do have some basic rules!
they may or may not have come from you hun!;)X
if you don’t need it don’t buy it!
if you don’t love it don’t buy it!
if the shoe fits … wear it! … YES!
that is a name of a gorgeous shoe shop in port fairy!
LOL & much love m:)X
YES. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it. So simple yet the lure of the bargain can sometimes over-ride! x
Personally I feel like the Boxing Day sales are the only good thing about Christmas being over! Thanks for the Tips, I’ve got my list handy!
Especially if you have gift cards to burn! 😉 x