Let the shopping showdown begin

Holiday Shopping 2009

[4 Comment(s)]

By Colleen McKinney

The holiday season can be a very enjoyable time but not for your wallet. With the economy in the state it's in, well-paying jobs almost non-existent and prices that seem to creep higher and higher every day, buying gifts for everyone on your list can seem daunting. But, there are a few places that might bring you Christmas cheer, in the form of lower prices.

Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross have come on the scene in recent years as being the discount shopper's answer to department stores. These discount chains buy leftover items from department stores and discount the prices for their stores. "I love Marshall's," Katelyn Wannage, French senior said. "It's a great place to hunt for reasonably priced merchandise."

The mother of the discount store has to be Kohl's. Kohl's combines its in-house brands with discounted brand name products, like quality kitchen gadgets and house ware. Kohl's is also home to many celebrity collections, like Simply Vera Vera Wang, and most recently, LC Lauren Conrad. These lines are a great way to save money on gifts for the fashionable and trendy.

But, there are downsides to these stores. Prepare to spend an hour or so combing the less than organized racks and shelves that line the floors. It takes diligence and perseverance to dig for the designer goods and the deals that make the visit "worth-it." Merchandise is usually scattered around the store and may be open, missing parts or damaged. Check each item carefully before purchasing, and make sure you are aware of the store's return policy.

Department stores and other retail shops usually boast higher prices than discount chains, but smart shopping tips will help you save tons of money. First of all, sign up for daily e-mail subscriptions from stores you frequent. Even though you will receive a ton of spam, these e-mails will notify you of sales and may even contain a coupon or two.

Secondly, make friends with people who work in retail. Ask them to keep you updated when markdowns occur or when the store is having a special sale. A quick text can alert you to a one-day sale or a special buy one get one free promotion.

Another good tip to saving money on gifts is to scour the Internet. Web sites like the Gilt Groupe - gilt.com - the ideeli site - ideeli.com - and BlueFly - bluefly.com - offer the season's designer clothes, shoes and accessories at more than 50 percent off retail prices. Some sites are members-only. So, you must obtain an invitation to join or request membership, but the benefits out-weight this inconvenience.

Every time you go to buy a gift online, check out retailmenot.com first. This Web site lists coupon codes for almost every online store imaginable, and it also lists the success rate of the code. An extra five minutes can score you free-shipping or an extra 15 percent off.

Don't let the holiday season empty out your wallet. Shop smart, and you can save yourself time, cash and yet another trip to the mall.

Originally Published: Issue 824 - November 18, 2009

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