Okay, a million might be an exaggeration. But here are a handful of reasons why you shouldn’t fall prey to consumer frenzy and marketing gimmickry:
1. 63% of Canadians are expecting better deals on Black Friday than Boxing Day, dispelling the idea that Canada hasn’t fully embraced Black Friday. But before you rush out to the store, make sure that’s actually the case. Research your purchases to determine whether joining the shopping stampede will actually save you money.
2. The aforementioned stampede will encourage you to buy. There’s something about a mad crowd of ravenous shoppers that makes you think you too need the two for one widgets. Beware the pile of impulse buys in your cart!
3. Make a list of items you are hoping to find, and with luck those items will correspond to good deals. There are great lists of deals all over the place. Stick to your needs, beat the system!
4. Check the fine print. What good is an amazing deal if your giftee can’t return it because he already has seven TVs?
5. If you have an option between in-store and web purchases (assuming free shipping), opt for the web. You’ll be less inclined to impulse shop. Cyber Monday deals abound, but don’t forget to add in coupon codes. Often, you can layer these deals onto already reduced prices, especially at retailers like Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, where they conveniently hide the coupon code just prior to purchase.
