Friday, December 26, 2008

Take Advantage of Those Deals!

Evidently this was the worst holiday shopping season in four decades. 40 years! That is longer than I have been alive!

So now, merchants are dropping prices even more to try to lure shoppers to do some after-holiday shopping. Of course, for a frugal shopper, this is a blessing. Now is the time to buy things like wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, and more that you will use for next year. It is also the perfect time to start your holiday shopping for next year.

However, some deals out there are bittersweet. Linens 'n Things are closing many, many stores. This means deep, deep discounts, but it also means that the store that I love so dearly will no longer be around, and more jobs are being lost. Toys 'r Us is also another chain that is closing stores, with the same bittersweet deals. I love the prices, I hate that the stores will no longer be an option.

Which stores will have the best deals, you ask? Target, Kmart, and Walmart are good bets, along with places that stocked way too much product for the slim season, like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. However, this year it seems that nearly every store is dropping prices to try and lure money out of the pockets of their shoppers.

I do a lot of shopping starting in January, once the discounts fall even more. I tend to buy classic toys that are a sure bet for fun, staying away from character items. These toys might show up under the tree next year, but they are also good for birthdays, Easter baskets and more. All of those things that were aimed for stocking stuffers this week will be great in baskets in just a few short weeks.

Although I always start shopping really early, I never wrap my presents ahead of time. This year I hope to implement that into my plan, so that I do not spend two days wrapping gifts during the busy holiday season. I *hope* that if I wrap them and put a post-it tag, then all I have to add is a bow and name tag come next year. Anything that makes my life a little easier!

Do you plan on taking advantage of the deals?

19 comments:

Dani Brook said...

I think you have a great idea!

Jo said...

Fabulous post!

I too try and take advantage of the store deals after Christmas. My daughter and I are heading out to the shops as soon as the plumber leaves ~ Ugh! Nothing says Merry Christmas like a service call. On the bright side, at least it's the day after Christmas so we aren't paying triple time and a half! : )

Jo

Anonymous said...

I am with you on this. Even though I say it every year, I'm really going to start getting ready for Christmas next year by buying presents early.

Plus I think that will allow me to enjoy the season more if the stress of gift buying is out of the way.

Unknown said...

Yep, Kelly, that is one reason I do it every year! That and saving money, of course.....

Angela said...

I've already been out this morning! I got to Walmart at a couple minutes before six for the after Christmas bargains (Hubby had to go to work, so I had to go before he left, or else I'd had to take the kids along too). I got some wrapping paper and tissue paper, and some mini ornaments for the kids' bedroom trees for next year. I think I'll take your advice and shop for presents during this time of discounts, since our daughter's birthday is at the end of January. I always get caught shopping for her the day before her big day.

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

Great tips! :-) I plan to stock up on ribbon and tissue paper which I use year round in mailing out my stuff :-)

Anonymous said...

Great info :) and hope your Christmas was wonderful!!!

I'm planning to go get few things for my New Years Eve party :)

Fifi Flowers said...

I will not be taking advantage. I ADORE shopping at the last minute! I did all my shopping this year on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th... I find that the shop workers are in a festive mood... the crowds are smaller and everyone is looking forward to getting off work and celebrating. It puts me in a FAB mood!!!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I am glad you were able to pick up on some bargains. I am sad some of these stores are closing. I did go shopping. But, not for bargains. I picked up a few home decor items to display when my Christmas decor comes down. Which will be very soon. Out with the old and in with the new!!! Hugs, Terrie

Cindy said...

There are so many great deals out there! I just wish they were at the grocery store...I think their prices are going up daily! I just got back from grocery shopping and I wanted to cry...I'd rather be spending that money on something pretty!!!

Anonymous said...

I also buy early and wrap as a get the gifts, for my spouse and kids I choose one kind of wrap and wrap all of each person's gifts in the same wrap. It makes it easier to identify later. I also keep a master list so I don't forget what I bought them.

A

Kelly said...

My mom and I hit the post-Christmas sales, but I was a little disappointed. I didn't really see any great deals, AND to add insult to injury there was a sign on the door of my favorite Marshall's that said the store was closing!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! How will I go on? What am I to do? It's just too awful to contemplate!

This recession has gotten personal now. :0)

n*stitches said...

Our best deals were at a Pottery Barn Outlet store. The prices were cut 50-60% off outlet prices. Unfortunately, I wasn't really needing anything, but my sister is moving into a new house this week and stocked up!

Anonymous said...

oh it's the same here too, slashd prices everywhere, I'm with Cindy, I wish it was on groceries too!!

Sarah

Southern Charm said...

Hi Gina, thankfully I had several customers who came in to take advantage of my after Christmas sales and also bought regualr merchandise to support the store. I think people are starting to see that more and more stores are going to be closing because no one is spending any money. It's sad, some of my favorite places are closing too.
I have a few wonderful & funny customers who come in at least once a month and tell me that they don't need a thing but they don't want my store closing so they came to spend something. We always laugh about it but... as a store owner can I say to y'all... thanks for shopping!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

BloggessJ said...

I try too but with the way things are for me right now I'm not really able to this year. I'm just going to have to budget accordingly. Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day! :)

Anonymous said...

I agree, lots of deals to be had, but patience is the word of the day and plenty of it. Enjoy your shopping!!

Unknown said...

I, too, shop at stores I love because I don't want them going out of business. I love to do business with mom & pop shops, because I would much rather give my money to people I like rather than faceless corporations.

Tammy and Parker said...

You know, my Mom and I went shopping for new coats for two of my kids and were really disappointed at the lack of deals. We waited until after Christmas hoping for sales.

In our area there simply haven't been as amazing of sales as I have heard about from others.

Drat.