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How to shop smart this Christmas
Words Jennifer Engmann
As 2021 draws to a close, the retail industry awaits its loyal customers returning for their annual Christmas shopping spree. However, after a year of many changes to our shopping habits, here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of what this season's winter shop has to offer.
If it’s available online, get it!
The first tip is probably the most obvious; online shopping has become more popular than ever. Though the thought of walking the streets covered in Christmas lights is way more Instagramable, nothing beats shopping from the comfort of your own home. So how can you do this smarter this season? As you know Black Friday and Boxing Days are the biggest days for discounted items. What most retailers do is usually start their sales earlier than the physical stores. Therefore, to save you from scouring through the whole store from top to bottom, take a look at the company’s website at least a week beforehand to see if you could snag a decent discount without having to wait for the most popular day to shop the sales. There’s nothing worse than holding out for the sales to get an item you've saved on your Wish List, to find there are none available in any store within a 3 mile radius.
Shop small businesses
It can be tempting to go to the bigger retailers this season, with their windows plastered with fake snow and tinsel on the high roads. However, nobody will appreciate your purchase more than a small business this season. Not only will what you purchase be more special, but you are more likely to get more of a backstory of what you’re buying and a more personal experience.
Save the planet and shop sustainably
One of the most important issues facing our world today is the matter of climate change; though there are more effective ways to help the planet, it is ultimately the small changes that we begin to make to live more eco-friendly that can cause us to be more mindful of this pressing issue. Now shopping online may seem counterproductive, but being selective about which brands you shop from that are using delivery services that keep the planet in mind, or use recycled materials for their packaging can be a step towards making your shopping habits more conscious. The number of sustainable clothing brands has grown vastly. From activewear brands like TALA to well-known designer brands such as Stella McCartney who use vegan materials for their designs.
Restoration is as good as new
Who doesn’t love the feel of a brand new purchase? If you’re someone who collects items made with high-quality materials that age well, a great option would be to invest in your item by paying to get it restored. If there has been some wear and tear over the years, the company’s like The Restory can have your old item looking brand new again, you can even change the original colour to whatever your heart desires, giving it a total makeover. Most luxury items, no matter how old, can be restored due to the quality of materials used to create them. This is also another way to limit the amount of wastage that the retail industry enormously contributes to. So dig out your beloved items and search online for restoration companies that can give that item a few more years of action.
Social Media is your aid
Following your favourite brand on social media is not just good for outfit inspiration, but they tend to update their pages with new discounts or bargains, some of which will be exclusive to online shoppers. But as well as this, seeing other people who have bought an item you’ve been storing on your wish list for ages can help you make a decision faster. You get to see how it will look in person before you make a purchase making it that much easier during the Christmas season shopping frenzy. Though, while mentioning inspiration, social media can be a great help when you are stuck for gift ideas, so knowing someone who has tried and tested something can save you much more time and effort than browsing online can. If you have a favourite influencer that regularly does hauls of your favourite brands, you may want to give their videos a watch before you take the plunge to add it to your basket.
Have you thought about renting?
Yes, renting, and no. I am not talking about getting on the property ladder. As the invitations and guest lists for the end of year social events are being finalised, instead of buying a brand new outfit that will probably stay in your closet for the next year. Why not rent your dream look for one night, so whether it is a designer you have always wanted to wear but couldn’t bear to spend that much money on, this is your guilt-free option which keeps you and your bank account happy. Companies such as Hurr or Front Row provide excellent options for every occasion.