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The holidays are over. Your gifts are unwrapped and the
decorations are coming down. For a lot of people, the end
of the holiday season can be a little depressing. For
bargain shoppers, however, the fun is just beginning! I
look forward to the post-holiday shopping season almost as
much as I do Christmas day itself. Here are a few tips
I’ve picked up over the years to make the most of those
after-holiday sales.
When to Shop: Sales begin promptly when stores open
on December 26th. Be there early if you want the best
selection. You’ll typically save 50% the day after
Christmas, progressing to 75% the week after, then up to
90% in January. However, the longer you wait, the more
picked over things will be.
Where to Shop: You’ll often find the best deals
in the most out-of-the-way places. The key is to use your
creativity when shopping. Where do you think most shoppers
in your area will be? Try to go elsewhere.
Grocery stores. Shop for items such as colored
plastic wrap, baggies or anything with festive prints. I
stock up on the kids’ cereals, cookies, or snacks that
have holiday packaging. Your children won’t know the
difference! Shop for candy and baking items as well. If
you buy good quality chocolate, you'll save a bundle and
be able to use it for cooking or recipes.
Your local thrift stores. Thrift stores see an
influx of goods this time of year, due to people wanting
to claim their tax deductions before the year is over.
It’s a time when these stores see a surplus of donations
and a slow-down of shoppers. The perfect time to shop!
Fabric stores, book stores, and hardware stores.
These stores may offer the same type of things you’re
looking for at giant retailers like Target, Wal-Mart and
Kmart, but they aren’t as picked over and reduce their
prices more quickly. Shop for items like Christmas lights,
greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorations, etc.
What to Buy: While holiday themed decorations and
paraphernalia are the most obvious things to buy, keep
your eyes open for other sales. The large stream of
shoppers presents retailers with a great opportunity to
move other clearance items as well. Toys are often greatly
reduced post-holiday, so think ahead to upcoming birthdays
and even next Christmas.
Other Ideas:
* Buy a yearly Christmas ornament for your child with the
year on it, but purchase it after Christmas and save
50-75%.
* Buy your Christmas cards and address them now.
* Wait until January to buy your family’s calendar. You
may not get to choose exactly the one you want, but
you’re likely to find something you like for up to 75%
off. This is also a great time to buy non-dated calendars
like daytimers/organizers. They make great gifts, too!
* Look at the pre-packaged holiday gift baskets. You can
always disassemble them and use them for other gifts.
Good luck, and happy shopping!
About the author: Kim Danger is a work-at-home mom and
owner/manager of Mommysavers.com. Mommysavers.com is for
parents who want the best for their families, but don’t
want to spend and arm and a leg to get it! Visit her site
today and sign up for the FREE weekly newsletter: http://www.mommysavers.com
This article provided by
the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com
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