The best bargains you should stock up on during the Boxing Day sales – and what you shouldn’t bother with
BOXING Day has come to be one of the most anticipated days of the year.
And it’s all thanks to the incredible sales which sees an array of heavily discounted goods on offer.
But it’s very easy to shop big on items you don’t really need, and despite the bargain prices, you might be spending more money than you should be.
According to Sophie from The Fussy Shopper, we should all navigate the sales with extreme caution.
“So many companies monetise on the Boxing Day sale and the reality is there are some great deals to be had, but also some sales may be misleading with companies just wanting to join in on the biggest sale of the year to increase their sales,” she explains.
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“We would always suggest that you do your research on the items you are wanting to buy before it gets to the big day otherwise you may end up buying things that you don’t need or won’t use and waste money.”
Jonny Sabinsky, Head of Communications at thinkmoney, agrees, saying: “We all love hunting for a bargain, especially during the festive season. So, you might be tempted to treat yourself, refresh your wardrobe or book a holiday this Boxing Day.
“But if the last 18 months have taught us anything, it’s that we always need a safety net during hard or unexpected times. Don’t fall back into the trap of living paycheck to paycheck and overspending this Boxing Day. Set a budget and always spend within your means.”
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If you’re looking at using the end-of-year sales to invest in a whole new wardrobe, Sophie says to “know what you want” ahead of Boxing Day so you know exactly what you’re getting.
She says it’s a great time to treat yourself to some more expensive clothing items but ” always try to buy staple pieces that will last for many seasons.”
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For example, she says: ” Boots and jackets may go into the sale on Boxing Day ready for the new season to come in, but those designer boots and jackets may last for years to come and no one would ever have known that you bagged a bargain in the Boxing Day sales!”
But Johnny says to avoid overspending by “making a list of items you really need”, and unless a “new coat” is on the list, then you should resist the urge.
He says: “If you come across a deal for a new coat, think about what you already have. Ask yourself do you need it, and can you live without it? Then you’ll know whether you are shopping for the sake of a discount.”
Many people are tempted to buy new electronics and homeware, but again, do your research, Sophie advises.
“There’s generally always a base price on these items that the retailers won’t go below, and you may grab a genuine deal on Boxing Day as retailers do tend to keep prices high until then as they know the demand for gifting items on Christmas Day,” she explains.
Johnny, however, reckons it’s a great time to shop for those “bigger items” such as a new TV, that are “more of a necessity to you rather than smaller items”.
He says: “Buying larger items that you have been wanting to purchase for a long period of time can help you save more money, especially during the Boxing Day sales.”
The best way to check whether something has really had a discount. he says, is to check the actual recommended retail price (RRP) of the product.
You can do this using Price Spy or Camel Camel Camel.
Buying larger items that you have been wanting to purchase for a long period of time can help you save more money, especially during the Boxing Day sales.
Jonny Sabinsky
There are a few things to be aware of while shopping up a storm and one is when there’s “limited availability” on items with prices that seem too good to be true.
Sophie says: “This will generally be a marketing game as the retailer knows they will get attention from this. Well done if you manage to get hold of one of these crazy deals!”
What’s more, Johnny says there are a few things you should avoid, even if the savings seem huge.
“We recommend that you think twice before buying perishable items such as food boxes (unless you have planned on when to use them) as the savings might not be as much as larger items, and they could end up going to waste,” he warns.
Adding: “Another deal we advise you to consider carefully is any long-term subscriptions, unless this is something that has been on your wish list for some time.
“For example, joining a gym could mean a long-term contract which may seem like a bargain at the time. But you might not use the gym in some months due to time constraints or even moving home.
“So, instead, try and opt for a month-by-month contract where possible that you can cancel at any time, particularly if your budget doesn’t allow for it in a few months’ time.”
Meanwhile, the discounts and vouchers codes you need to know about for the New Year sales.
And Primark workers reveal the store’s Christmas secrets – including why you MUST hit the shops before 11am on Boxing Day
Plus, Mum saves £1,000 by buying Christmas presents for next year in January sales.
Shopping advice from Sophie:
- Write a list of what items you want to buy whether it be fashion pieces, electronics, homeware or a new fragrance etc.
- Find out the price of the item today
- Have you seen it at a lower price before?
- If you need it or have been wanting it for a while, and it’s worth the money, then go for it!
And remember the reasons for Boxing Day Sales:
- To sell stock that they don’t want
- To sell items that are going out of season
- To sell stock because a new upgrade is due
- To increase sales during the biggest sales periods of the year
- To treat customers as everyone loves a sale!