Tip for shoppers

ponyo

Lifer
Feb 14, 2002
19,688
2,810
126
Since gift cards are so popular and most of you probably received some kind of gift card, I thought I would share obvious post Christmas shopping tip.

Don't go shopping with your new gift card yet. Wait until the 3rd week of January to start shopping and using your gift cards. Retailers expect people to shop and redeem the gift cards right after Christmas so there won't be much bargains and the stores will be crowded from gift returns and shoppers using the gift cards. Save yourself the hassle.

Around 3rd week of January, stores will be dead empty and retailers will be desperate for customers. There won't be lot of shoppers because most people will have used their gift cards already and people will be in state of shock from their huge post holiday credit card statements. It's also end of the season markdown time and retailers will clear all the winter and holiday stuff at massive discounts to make room for spring merchandise. You should see 75% or more off on clearance items at this time. No crowds, huge markdowns = win for smart shopper.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,080
136
Originally posted by: Naustica
Since gift cards are so popular and most of you probably received some kind of gift card, I thought I would share obvious post Christmas shopping tip.

Don't go shopping with your new gift card yet. Wait until the 3rd week of January to start shopping and using your gift cards. Retailers expect people to shop and redeem the gift cards right after Christmas so there won't be much bargains and the stores will be crowded from gift returns and shoppers using the gift cards. Save yourself the hassle.

Around 3rd week of January, stores will be dead empty and retailers will be desperate for customers. There won't be lot of shoppers because most people will have used their gift cards already and people will be in state of shock from their huge post holiday credit card statements. It's also end of the season markdown time and retailers will clear all the winter and holiday stuff at massive discounts to make room for spring merchandise. You should see 75% or more off on clearance items at this time. No crowds, huge markdowns = win for smart shopper.
Well, I never noticed a crapload of gift card shoppers RIGHT after xmas. It always seemed to me those folks waited until mid January and it was mostly just returns and refunds that first week after Dec 25th.
I have to say I do enjoy post-christmas sales much more than pre-christmas sales.
I think this season will be especially good. The retail places didnt do nearly as well as they had hoped and they will likely be selling off goodies dirt cheap in the new year.
 

EGGO

Diamond Member
Jul 29, 2004
5,504
1
0
Wouldn't be so bad, but I plan to get a pair of jeans, and it's already hard enough to find a pair that fits me during normal times. A sale just ruins whatever chance I get of having it (28 x 30). I've done this too many times to learn from it so this year I'm going just because the "early bird catches the worm" philosophy.
 

Slew Foot

Lifer
Sep 22, 2005
12,379
96
86
Ill likely be getting some wrapping paper and x-mas crap cheap in the next couple days, Ill wait for whenevere theres a blowout sale for things I desire.
 

Eeezee

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2005
9,922
0
76
I have to disagree with you. Some of the best sales are to be had the day after Christmas; the following days will be crap, but the day after Christmas always has epic sales.
 

oogabooga

Diamond Member
Jan 14, 2003
7,806
3
81
Originally posted by: Eeezee
I have to disagree with you. Some of the best sales are to be had the day after Christmas; the following days will be crap, but the day after Christmas always has epic sales.

agreed. Most stores have some form of day after xmas sales. All these people off of work who've just received gift cards/cash/need accessories to go with actual gifts? The stores are desperate to get people into the stores.
 

Argo

Lifer
Apr 8, 2000
10,045
0
0
Here's another tip: If you're giving somebody a gift-card don't give it to a specific store. You're already declaring your laziness and lack of effort by giving a gift card, so instead of giving somebody a best buy, or target, or victoria secrets gift card, how about just hard cold cash or AMEX gift card. At the very least they can chose where they want to shop.