Last week, each of us brought you a list of things you could potentially buy for the guy in your life (or gal really in most cases). The thing is, unless you do all of your shopping online, you have physically go out amongst the wilderness of capitalism to procure your products. That can be very overwhelming. Lucky for you, I'm doing the same and have some tips! Allons-y!
1. Know where you're going in advance
This could be a guy thing since most of us can pretty much do all of our shopping in one store in about 30 minutes flat. But tunnel vision isn't always a bad thing. Don't be like me, with no clue what to get for my father and end up spending all of your time in Brookstone trying to decide between a vibrating key-chain he'll hate and a clock that doesn't tell time which he'll loathe.
2. Try shopping during the week
Seems like common sense but sometimes, going after work is way better than weekends. For one, after work ensures that 6-year olds won't be screaming at the top of their lungs at every twist and turn. And I love 6-year olds, but if you trip over a kid in Swarovski, it will cost you a small fortune.
3. Off brand stores are always a comeup
I know I said in #1 to know where you're going, but every now and then you'll come across some store that might have what you didn't realize you were looking for. That's exactly how I ended up with some moccasins a few years ago. Now, I haven't worn them since I bought them, but its really good to know that I can be apart of the "who has a pair of mocassins?" conversation if it ever comes up (it hasn't).
4. Be cutthroat
This one is kind of odd, but truth be told, there's a reason why folks are paying upwards of $60 bucks for Zhu Zhu dolls/figurines (?). If you see something you want, you better pick it up and put it back later if you decide you don't want it. Real talk - I saw what had to be a 70-year old woman arguing with a 30-something year old woman about who saw a sweater first last night. So I stayed and watched to see who would be victorious. But really, nobody wins there. Well, except me and of course the clothing company.
5. Be cheery
You get much better customer service if you don't look like you're going to eat somebody's children. I know I'm much more obliged to help you out, and I don't even work at a store. Of course, if I help you out, you probably won't get what you're looking for. But hey, help is help, right? Plus, its holiday time and mean people suck.
6. Shop online
Dude, shopping at the malls right now sucks. And if you can't get it at overstock.com, you probably don't need it.
This could be a guy thing since most of us can pretty much do all of our shopping in one store in about 30 minutes flat. But tunnel vision isn't always a bad thing. Don't be like me, with no clue what to get for my father and end up spending all of your time in Brookstone trying to decide between a vibrating key-chain he'll hate and a clock that doesn't tell time which he'll loathe.
2. Try shopping during the week
Seems like common sense but sometimes, going after work is way better than weekends. For one, after work ensures that 6-year olds won't be screaming at the top of their lungs at every twist and turn. And I love 6-year olds, but if you trip over a kid in Swarovski, it will cost you a small fortune.
3. Off brand stores are always a comeup
I know I said in #1 to know where you're going, but every now and then you'll come across some store that might have what you didn't realize you were looking for. That's exactly how I ended up with some moccasins a few years ago. Now, I haven't worn them since I bought them, but its really good to know that I can be apart of the "who has a pair of mocassins?" conversation if it ever comes up (it hasn't).
4. Be cutthroat
This one is kind of odd, but truth be told, there's a reason why folks are paying upwards of $60 bucks for Zhu Zhu dolls/figurines (?). If you see something you want, you better pick it up and put it back later if you decide you don't want it. Real talk - I saw what had to be a 70-year old woman arguing with a 30-something year old woman about who saw a sweater first last night. So I stayed and watched to see who would be victorious. But really, nobody wins there. Well, except me and of course the clothing company.
5. Be cheery
You get much better customer service if you don't look like you're going to eat somebody's children. I know I'm much more obliged to help you out, and I don't even work at a store. Of course, if I help you out, you probably won't get what you're looking for. But hey, help is help, right? Plus, its holiday time and mean people suck.
6. Shop online
Dude, shopping at the malls right now sucks. And if you can't get it at overstock.com, you probably don't need it.
I'm a fervent believer in n°2. I did most of my christmas shopping during lunch break this year (I have 1 hours & 1/2 to kill at lunch each day) and completed after work when the stores where too far away from my job.
I just got one gift on a saturday, day of the re-stock of a popular video game sold 10€ cheaper than in any other stores. I really wondered if it was worth the discount...
N°5 works beautifully during sales! A big smile and a simple "Hi" can work wonders when all the women around you seems to be fighting for their life. And this is saying a lot when you know how much costumer information is not the n°1 priority in France.
#6 is all you need. I've pretty much ONLY shopped online since I've been buying Christmas presents for friends and family with my own money.