Newswise — With remaining shopping days fleeting till the biggest retail event of the year, Ryerson's Ted Rogers School of Retail Management offers these holiday shopping tips...
Run for the BorderTake advantage of the current level of the Canadian dollar, without leaving your house. Since many retailing/product websites are located in the United States cross-border shopping is available at your fingertips. Just watch out for the duty and delivery charges.
Parking Lot Safe MeasuresIf you take presents to the car and plan to do more shopping, move the car so it's not obvious that you're storing goods there. Keep any parcels covered or in the trunk, so it is not obvious that they are in the car.
'Twas the night before the sale.If you know that a retailer is holding a sale, try shopping after 6 p.m. the night before it is supposed to begin. You might find the discounts are already marked.
Buy in BulkIf you've got friends or relatives who are all equally important to you, buy them all the same gift in different colours or themes as a memento. This strategy can easily be turned into a tradition and something your family and friends look forward to.
Personal Touch BasketsCreate a basket that suits a particular person. Collect small items on a theme. If you create baskets for multiple people on your list you can take advantage of bulk shopping by buying larger quantities and dividing them up amongst the baskets.
You’d Better Shop AroundA consumer tip: don't forget to comparison shop via the Internet and to ask a retailer if an item might go on promotion within the next month. Most holiday promotions are planned in advance and stores should know what is going to be featured.
Give Gift CardsYou can make your holiday dollars go further by giving gift cards to anyone you’ll see on or before Christmas day. They can use those cards in the Boxing Day sales to get something worth much more than the dollar amount you originally gave them. This is an especially good strategy for those people on your list who are wishing for electronics or big ticket items this year.
Don’t Lose MomentumIf you can hang on just one more day you can get all of next year’s gifts purchased this year on Boxing Day. If you can’t face the crowds, hang in just another week or two and clean up at the January sales.
Make it a Green ChristmasThe number of eco-friendly products is expanding every season, so you should be able to find something for everyone on your list. Also, green shopping can be easy shopping if you consider alternative gifts such as charitable donations, movie/concert/stage show tickets, spa packages, hotel stays, etc.
Top 5 Hot Gifts for the Student in Your Life1. iTune gift certificates2. Grocery gift certificates3. Treat them to a "Post-exam dinner out for you and a friend"4. A skating night basket - Skate free at Nathan Phillips square, packages of hot chocolate, thermos, hand warmers, scarf, thermal socks 5. Tickets to a local Christmas play
Expert available for interviews:
Frances GunnAssistant ProfessorTed Rogers School of Retail Management
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