Which is it, online or in-store? Where do you usually go for Christmas shopping? Maybe you belong to that segment of the population that prefers to compare prices online but shop in-store. Many Canadians still choose to take in the festive mood in actual brick-and-mortar stores than to shop online, despite the usual aspects that affect the experience.
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The lack of parking, the large crowds, the long queues and the whole shopping rush are not at all pleasant this time of year. But groceries and all things necessary for the festive period must be shopped, presents must be bought and day to day essentials must be acquired. And the online doesn’t appeal to everyone.
On top of that, Christmas rush or no Christmas rush, shoppers are excited about buying things like electronics and devices now, expecting retailers to drop prices, since Christmas and all.
Sometimes it’s more convenient to buy some things online and some things it’s always better to shop in-store. Here’s what to buy online and what to buy in traditional stores this season.
Good to Buy Online
As a general rule, if a retailer offers free shipping and you know exactly what you are buying, then anything on your Christmas shopping list is worth checking off online including technology.
Whether you want to buy electronics or gadgets for yourself or as a gift for others, with technology you always have to be in the loop. Online you can shop and research instantly because you’ll often find reviews for a product.
Cold weather footwear and clothing: retailers are offering fair prices for name brand winter boots and jackets right about now, discounts going at up to 50% off regular pricing. This is probably about as good as it gets this winter season and stores won’t probably discount any further until end of season sale.
If you’re buying clothing or shoes as Christmas gifts, make sure you know the size and the retailer has a convenient return policy.
Toys: It’s not so much about the pricing in this case, although you might find better prices and better deals online than in-store. But it’s not about the price when it comes to buying toys online, it’s more about convenience. Retailers have upped their web inventory so you have about the same selection online as in traditional stores. Plus they are offering more accessible shipping rates and an overall more satisfactory shopping experience.
Good to Buy In-Store
Christmas ornaments: Beautiful and unique Christmas decorations are everywhere and the best time to purchase price wise is always after Christmas when stores have deeper markdowns.
But because our plans don’t always coincide with the time we have available, we arrive to that time of the year again which is now – when we have to shop Christmas decorations and Christmas trees before Christmas.
The reason it’s best to shop for ornaments in-store rather than online is that you are usually making a long-term investment here. The Christmas tree, the Christmas lights and everything you buy decorations-concerned, sometimes this assuming some expensive native scenes or objects, you buy to last you years, so you don’t run the risk of paying a high price for off-brand merchandise when you buy in-store.
This is especially relevant when you buy collectible ornaments. Also consider the risk of delivery accidents when you buy online. Even if the delivery firm reimburses you for your expenses, you are still left with an unsatisfactory purchase and without your ornaments. It’s different with cheaper decorations because it won’t stress you all that much if they get destroyed.