Stock up now for the best Christmas savings

This is the ideal time to stock up for Christmas which is now only five months away, with most stores and shops still holding their summer sales (except for the luxury Harrods which is already finished).

Why not take up the opportunity to shop early for the gifts which will save you more than you could imagine as some shops reduce their prices by up to 75%. During the current economical climate, now is the time to match gifts with the family or friends your buying for, instead of the other way round.

Of course, for you nearest and dearest you will still want to shower them with the most ideal and wanted presents they are hoping for. Other than that, it makes more sense to stock up with some fragrances, accessories, decorative and home-ware gifts for relatives and friends where Christmas presents are necessary and essential but without the fuss.

You can quite easily stock up with some pleasant cake plates and cups, saucers, cutlery and glassware to go along with your home-made cake, sweets or a lovely box of chocolates and bottle of bubbly to form part of a hamper. It all depends on some excellent presentation, presentation, presentation with a roll of clear wrapping, a pretty ribbon or even a bunch of fresh or dried flowers (especially those scented to tie the knot), will do the job nicely.

Back to the sales, here’s a list of some stores with the end dates to their sales:

• John Lewis: clearance until 18 July and do look for their red “Clearance” sign and their “Value” range.
• Marks & Spencer: Summer sale is now on.
  
• House of Fraser: Sale ends 1 August.
• Debenhams: Sale ends 18 July.
• Fenwick: Sale ends 25 July.
• Alders (Croydon is the only one still around in UK): Sale ends 30 August and also check on their basement floor as they turns it into an outlet on its own.
• Selfridges & Co: Sale ends 18 July

But don’t despair if you’ve already missed the sales as most stores will continue to reduce prices within their stores despite the end of their official sales. Remember to pop in and check in-store for further discounts.

Tips for bargain hunting

1. Pick a day/time which is less crowded (try to avoid lunch time or after work period).
2. Always start from the top floor of the store than downward and with the eyes open for those reduction and clearance signs.
3. 25%, 50%, 75%: Always go for the 75% and 50% reduction and 25% is only when you are desperate for the item.
4. Don’t take children or impatient spouse with you for bargain hunting as they may distract your focus or even ended up in argument.
5. Never buy any items requires a warranty such as electronic, watches and gadgets except you can use/give it away immediately or else the warranty will run out before you pass it on.
6. Choose a day when the stores or shops offers special reward for the shop card holder (Every little help).
7. Department Stores vs. High Street Shops: Always go to the department stores which has different sections to offer varieties and you also got more chance for bargain as their stock level are higher.
8. If you purchase any food items such as cakes and confectionery, do check the sell-by date. Don’t think your receiver will be pleased if the sell-by date is finished.
9. Items with a tag on as “second” may not always be inferior as some manufacturers do sell their “over-stocked” items as “second”. A thorough check will do the job.
10. Last but not least; don’t cry if you see your purchased items being reduced further the next day. That’s life and happy bargain hunting.

That’s all folks, more to come next time!      

The Shopahollic