Christmas and New Year Sales and How to Avoid the Traps

Let’s face it we all love a bargain and I’m sure I’m not the only one who is a tad “Grinchy” when  buying my Christmas presents knowing that they will be much reduced in a few short weeks.  Sadly, although that is a trait I’m not proud of, I’m just not organised enough to buy so far in advance for next year, I don’t think I’m the only one?  But….after the year we’ve had, we all need to get our hands on some bargains.

There is a huge push to “shop small” right now, Covid has affected small independent businesses more than ever, and with the High Streets on lockdown across the nation the only option is to shop online.  Get a glass of something lovely, settle down on your sofa and shop away!  The deals are often the same as in store anyway.

Be savvy, check out the good savings and buy what you need, things that can be put away for an upcoming birthday, wedding or celebration or indeed treat yourself. Come on we’ve all earned it after this year!

Start early, Boxing Day is when it all kicks off and that is where the bargains can be had.  Many retailers want to start afresh in the New Year so many of their seasonal gifts will be discounted.  Here at Oohbox we will be discounting many of our winter warmers and Christmas gift boxes even though they will still be handy to have well into March and April when the temperatures increase.  I know I still wear my cosy socks right up to summer!  Food based gift items will be good to get your hands on too.  With a shelf life, retailers need to keep this stock moving so for a tasty treat a seasonal sale might be the answer.  You can forget the weight based New Year resolution for a day and “a little of what you fancy does you good”!

The trick is to remember that our purchases are driven by both logic and emotion, so to avoid over-spending have a clear idea or list of what you “need”.  Of course we are all affected by the impulse buy but by planning in advance and being mindful of your available spend, the risk of blowing your budget will be minimised.  Being in control of the more emotional side of the brain will also control the FOMO – the Fear of Missing Out!  Online retailers will alert you to how many people have this in their basket or that there are low stocks.  These messages will be true but try to control the urge to follow the crowd, it’s another sure fire way of blowing the cash.  That said, as a new business we do have low volumes of our gift boxes, so each one will be a special little treat that very few will have right now.

So, for this year’s sales remember, shop small, stay safe, stay in control and enjoy yourself, you deserve a little treat.

Merry Christmas

Julie