Shop Smarter: Five Ingenious Tips to Keep in Mind during Mall Sales

“Admit it, we all feel cool when we walk around the mall with tons of shopping bags in our arms.”-
Author Unknown

Sale (n.) a fashionista’s favorite four letter word.

Shopping malls have been around for years. In some countries, they are regarded as little more than simply cathedrals of consumerism. In the Philippines however, these structures are viewed as more than the answer to our retail needs. For some, it has become somewhat like a second home. Malls in the Philippines such as the Circuit Makati Mall and the like come with various attractions such as cinemas, restaurants, nightclubs, bars and even activity and entertainment centers. In this regard, mall developers hope to generate more revenue by appealing to a wider variety of individuals.

However, there has never been any doubt that one of the tried and tested methods to have people patronize and purchase products from a particular mall is to conduct a mall-wide sale. Indeed, whenever a sale happens, you can expect a crowd of shoppers and patrons to arrive by the droves. This influx of shoppers is mainly precipitated by bargain deals. In this regard, some malls can expect shoppers to arrive even before opening hours. If you wish to shop on a projected sale one of these months, know that it takes so much more than just arriving at the mall on time to get the best bargains and deals. If you wish to make the most out of your shopping excursion, here are some of the tips to keep in mind:

1.) Do your research

Before you start planning what to buy, it is highly recommended that you do your research before the actual day of the sale itself. Note that many brands would be participating during the sale and your research would help you identify what these brands would be. Furthermore, some brands might be a little detailed as to the terms of their sale such as which items would be included and whether or not there would be promo deals. If you did your research beforehand, you would effectively be able to narrow down your options and make the most out of your time shopping.

2.) List it down

One of the excellent ways to shop and ensure you stay within your budget is to shop with a list. Make this list beforehand so that you can mitigate the possibility of impulse shopping. In this regard, you would also be able to delineate your reasons for buying a particular item. Sure, an item you are looking to buy might be on sale, but do you really need it? Or are you just buying it because it is half off? Making a list will help you be smarter about what you put into your cart during sale day. Prepare this list beforehand, note down all the items you wish and need to buy and prioritize them.

3.) Arrive early

One of the most annoying things about shopping during mall sales is having to contend with long queues. That and looking for an available parking space once you arrive at the mall. To address this, be sure to come early—if possible before opening hours. Apart from getting the best parking spot and not having to queue up, arriving early means you get first dibs on deals and items on sale. Whenever possible, try to arrive on the first day of the mall-wide sale and try to get there before opening hours.

4.) Take your time

No one is clocking you, so there is no need to be pressured about finishing up your shopping within a specified time limit. Take your time, peruse the aisles and look for the best deals. Do not immediately throw everything into your cart just because it has the world SALE plastered on it. Be as discerning about your purchases as you would be when they are not on sale. Remember, you are simply shopping which is not time-sensitive at all. So relax, and take your time. Just enjoy browsing racks and aisles and do not forget to hunt for the best bargain!

5.) Compare

Remember, the first item you pick up is not always the cheapest. However, that does not mean that the next item you will come by would also be the best. In this regard, be sure to look around and make some comparisons. You might think you have landed the best offer and deal now, but you might end up regretting that decision later when you find out that the next store sells the same item for much cheaper.

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