6 tips for creating your Boxing Day shopping strategy
You know how it goes. The holidays have come and gone and once again and you haven’t received the gift you truly want. Luckily for you, retail stores love having sales! One of the biggest sales of the year is Boxing Day, but, unless you know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the available options.
1. Make a list, check it twice
Make a list of the things you want to buy on Boxing Day. Maybe you hoped to be gifted a new TV, or are in desperate need of a new laptop. Whatever it is that you want, jot it down to make sure you remember to pick it up on Boxing Day.
2. Look through the sales flyers
Don’t forget to look through your weekly sales flyers for Boxing Day specials. Browse through the flyers in the week leading up to Boxing Day to see which stores have the best deals on the items from your list. Don’t panic if you don’t get sales flyers. It’s the 21st century. Just as you can find the best insurance deals online, you can find the best retail deals online.
3. Make a plan
Planning and finances go hand in hand. Shopping is no different. Once you know what you want to buy and where you want to buy it, you’ll need to make a plan. There’s no sense visiting the Apple store second if your first and third stops are across town. If cross-town travel looks unavoidable, enlist the help of a friend.
4. Stay up late
Alternatively, you can shop online. Most retail stores have Boxing Day sales that begin late Christmas evening or at 12.01am on Boxing Day. Sure, there might be better deals at the physical stores, but shopping at home in your pyjamas is worth paying a little bit more.
5. Credit card rewards
Whichever way you choose to complete your Boxing Day shopping, make sure you use a credit card with rewards or cashback. Paying cash or using debit is a great way to make sure you don’t go into debt, but by charging your purchases, you can earn rewards. By remembering to use your credit card (and paying it off at the end of the month to avoid interest charges!) you can literally get something for nothing.
6. Christmas decorations
Finally, when you’re out on Boxing Day, pick up Christmas supplies for next year. Stores blow-out their Christmas stock on Boxing Day and, with a bit of foresight, you can grab as much wrapping paper, decorations, lights and cards as you’ll need. Don’t limit yourself to saving money on clothes this Boxing Day, treat yourself to some delayed stress alleviation by getting next year's tasks done now.