Tips for Shopping on the High Street

A boozy lunch and afternoon shopping is my favourite way to spend a Saturday and I must confess, I’m pretty well practiced at it! I’ve shared my advice for shopping online, but still, nothing beats a spot of window shopping and a good try-on session when shopping in stores. So, now it’s time to share my Top Tips for Shopping on the High Street and with just 10 weeks ’til Christmas it’s prime time to get your Christmas Shopping hats on.

Wait for the Sale

Okay, so this is the same first tip as in my Online Shopping Tips for Saving Money blog post – but it’s still totally true. At most times of the year there will be a small sale on in most in store shops and I usually make the beeline to the rail or two that’s usually there; obviously I’m gonna look at the reduced items before the full priced! However, end of season sales are the best and right now there’s a clear our of old summer stock before the new Christmas items enter shops, so get yourself on the high street for a nosey for bargains this weekend.

Shop Around

Not just an excuse to visit more shops, shopping around is a really good way of helping to see what you -really- want to buy before you go in for the spend. Most clothes shops will have similar styles of fashion items in at the same time depending on seasonal trends, so if you are after one particular type of item be sure to pop in to a few to see which you like best. Similarly, you might see something you fancy, visit another few shops, then realise you stopped thinking about it and were pleased you didn’t go in for the plunge purchase right away… Sometimes it’s best not to listen to your gut (trust me, it’s a pricy habit!).

Take Your Own Bags

Since the 5p bag charge came in, it’s become totally normal to take your own carrier bags to the high street. I’ve been a fan of this for some time, not just to avoid that pesky five pence at the bottom of your receipt, but to avoid getting loaded up with paper and plastic bags that aren’t durable and are altogether bulky. I usually take along a reusable canvas bag or two in my handbag just in case, but if you’re feeling fancy you can always go prepared with branded carrier bags in tow.

Make a List

Finally, let’s go right back to basics and make a shopping list. By itemising exactly what you want to get before you leave for the high street, you’re far more likely to stay focused and not get distracted by the pretty window displays or ‘New In’ section. You’ll be able to make your way around the shops you want to visit a lot quicker and, if you have an idea of how much items cost before you leave, will reduce the chance of you getting ripped off.

So, those of my Tips for Shopping on the High Street. I’ll be following each of these during doing my Christmas shopping (there’s not long left to go, y’know!) and will be on hand to advise my friends and family on their festive shopping missions too. Hey, if you need a shopping pal, I’m your gal!

If you fancy finding out more, the guys over at 4imprint have a handy infographic that might help you on your shopping trip.