Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #14

I love how technology truly allows retailers to maximize customer service and drive sales. When I first started in retail, I remember how excited we were to get an corporate-wide email/intranet system. In fact, for about a month or so I went from store to store in our district, and beyond, to help train the store staff on how to use the intranet system.

What a different a few years (okay, about 17 or so!) makes! Technology leads us to the next couple of retai insider tips!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #14:

Sign up for retailers' email updates.

As much as many of us hate to get spam, or emails that simply clog up our inbasket, you can make these emails pay off in savings of both time and money! I have received emails that have offered exclusive savings and special buys. You can always sign up for the emails, and if you truly do not find them to be value-added, you can opt-out (look at the bottom of the email, there will be some kind of verbage to remove your email from their list).

I get emails from both online retailers and brick and mortar retailers. I am a huge fan of Amazon.com emails as they not only offer great savings in many cases, but they are also designed to focus on my likes and interests based off of my recent purchases. (Yes, I am a sucker and think that somehow they "know" me there at Amazon.com!) I have already saved over $100.00 easily by watching my emails and taking advantage of special offers.

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Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #10

After over 15 years in retail, I am a true veteran in knowing what categories are strong for retailers to make margin. One such category are those adorable "stocking stuffer" type items you see all around the stores this time of the year. In fact, here is a tip to get completely FREE stocking stuffers!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #10:

While shopping, ask for samples! Makeup counters, fragrance counters, handbags and accessory stores, almost any department store has free samples, all you have to do is ASK!

I am sure that most of us will do some shopping at our favorite department store this holiday season. I know that I have purchased some cosmetics lately and every single time I ask for samples. At the fragrance counter, I ask for samples to take home and try the fragrance before I purchase it. I have even received free key chains and a free makeup bag for asking.

Many of us hate to ask, but they offer the samples for a reason: not only to help you make future purchases, but as a small "thank you" for your business. I have received at least 25-30 small stocking stuffer-type items while doing my holiday shopping just from the last month or so. I encourage you to ask, you may be pleasantly surprised by how many great stocking stuffer items you can get for free while doing your normal holiday shopping! I even asked at an electronics retailer, and received a free pair of ear buds for an ipod. Why not?!

I am not advocating taking advantage, but I am advocating making every dollar you spend work for YOU.

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25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #9

After over 15 years in retail, I am a true veteran in knowing what categories are strong for retailers to make margin. One such category are those adorable "stocking stuffer" type items you see all around the stores this time of the year. These are huge margin categories for retailers, and while I love to indulge in some of them, and certainly will again this year, I think that there is a fantastic alternative to finding fun stocking stuffers!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #9:

Go to the "Dollar Store"-type retailers for fun stocking stuffers!

I have found that most of the items that I would use for stocking stuffers or to fill little gift bags for parties, school parties, etc., are at the .99 store! They may not have the fancy brand name, or slightly less fancy packaging, but they are the same item, for much less money! And, when you can save a bit on stocking stuffers you can either keep that savings, or put it toward something special for the family.

p.s. Looking for stocking stuffers for the eco-friendly and green living person on your list? Here are some amazing offers!