Boxing Day Shopping Tips!

If you're like me you stay far, far away from the stores on boxing day. However if you're itching to spend some of your Christmas cash then check out these great tips for a successful and relatively stress free experience!

1. Make a shopping list and go out only for those items. Try not to browse or you'll most likely grab items that you really don't need and don't want. Just because an item is on sale doesn't mean that it's a "must have"!

2. Get an early start! It's not uncommon for shoppers to line up at the store an hour or two before the store opens. While I don't necessarily recommend getting in that early you will probably want to get there very close to when the store opens. Much of the good stuff is taken a few hours after opening, so if you're looking for a "hot" item be prepared to get up with the birdies!

3. Wear comfy shoes and clothes that breathe!! The lines will be long and you may even have to sprint once or twice. Sneakers, UGGs or any kind of flat shoe will keep tootsies relaxed. I know it's cold here in the Great White North but wearing a big, bunchy winter coat will have you sweating the small stuff in no time. Either a vest or medium weight sweater should be warm enough to walk to your car while keeping you snug in the store or mall. Keep it casual and you'll be keeping your cool while others are hot under the collar.

3. Good deals can often be found on electronic goods but beware of bait and switch tactics. This is when merchants draw you in with bright & shiny sales ads but then don't have the advertised goods in stock. Instead, they try to convince you to buy a similar, higher priced item and poof your saving are all gone! If the store is out of the item that you want wait until another good sale comes along.

4. Check the retailer’s website before you go. Many retailers’ websites allow for in-store pickup for items purchased online and almost all offer free shipping. Skip the check-out and shop online if at all possible!

5. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s worth your money. Sometimes it is smarter to pay more for a higher quality item. If you want a specific product check out reviews on Amazon.com or Epinions.com before jumping in head-first. This is an especially good idea for sale items as many are not returnable.

6. Take advantage of price matching! Most large retailers and department stores will match or beat the lowest advertised price. Make sure that you have the current store flyer with the sale price listed and make sure that you're looking at the exact same item (model number, size, description etc.). Stores will only match the price if the item is identical (ask me how I know, lol) so avoid confusion by going over both items thoroughly.

7. If buying something on impulse, be careful, remember chances are you won't be able to return it because it was on sale. If you're buying clothing make sure that you try the item on first. Especially shoes! Do not be taken in by the sales-clerk telling you that the shoes will stretch! I can assure you that if they're not comfortable in the store they won't magically stretch and form to fit your feet when you get them home.

8. Apres-shopping take some time to relax! Grab a coffee, soak in the bath or munch on some yummy holiday left-overs. You did good...now enjoy your new treats and your much deserved time off!