Holiday Shopping

December 01, 2012

It used to be so easy to lure shoppers into the stores. All they had to do was promise savings up to 70% off, and the people would line up. Customers are not as easily satisfied these days. They want to know ahead of time what the deals are and where they are. They don’t hesitate to walk away from a deal if they think they can get the item someplace else for a better deal.

Stores have gotten so competitive that now they offer price matching. It all started with price matching for groceries, and now it has spread to the other department stores for the holiday season. Usually, you have to have the competitor’s ad with you when you go to the checkout counter, but sometimes the store has the ads from the Sunday paper sitting right there. You can also find great deals online, and they price match, too. All of your holiday shopping can be done from the convenience of your own home if that is your preference. No standing in line and no pushy shoppers to get in your way. They often offer free shipping, and if that isn’t an option, many retailers offer shipping to store and you still get the free shipping. Coupons can be used to save you even more, but now you don’t have to use the paper coupons because you can pull up electronic coupons from your smartphone.

There are still people out there that prefer to shop the old fashioned way, walking through the mall or department store trying to find the perfect gift. It is easier for some to actually see the items on the shelf or display at the store, and they have the gift in hand when they walk out of the store. This is good for those who are impatient and don’t want to wait for the gifts to be shipped to their house or last minute shoppers. Retailers are doing more to get shoppers to buy from them, so take advantage of it while it lasts.

Pam M.
South Independence Branch