Shopping! the one most single frightful word ever spoken to man {well to some}. The majority of women love to shop and shop we do, it’s not as torturous as some men make it out to be. Just like some men find pleasure in attending a game, most of us women take the same pleasure. I am a self-confessed shopaholic and I do not feel guilty about it because I work hard and spend harder.
You see a shopping trip isn’t just about the purchases you make or the window shopping. From planning an outfit (including comfy shoes!) knowing where to go and the must have trends. It’s ALL in the preparation! the ultimate experience of shopping starts the minute we get dressed and head off. I know it’s not enjoyable for some men {and women} so here are some tips to make it one.
How to an enjoyable Shopping Experience!!
Over the last 10 years, online shopping has changed the way consumers shop and we all love it. But I also dislike online shopping because it is robbing our high streets of our favourite stores. Don’t get me wrong, I love my amazon prime like the next person but it’s not the same as walking into a shopping centre. There used to be a tire I used to hate dislike crowds of people when shopping for the simple reason it was too crowded. But once online shopping was introduced and I swapped to that I felt I lost a bit of me. There is nothing like walking into a store, seeing the sale sign, dashing to grab the last pair etc. I am sure many people will agree with me, we love online shopping but in person shopping is even better. Here are some of my tips to have an enjoyable shopping experience.
{1} Research
It sounds silly to start researching before you go shopping but it’s an important part of an enjoyable shopping experience. You need to know what’s offered where you’re going and how to get there. Obviously most of us would prefer to shop locally but that’s not the case for many. We always have to travel to bigger cities with shopping malls to get our shopping fix. Research if the stores you’re after are at the particular more and check their opening and closing times.
{2} Planning and logistics
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to do some planning and logistic. Not everyone enjoys the thrills of wandering around aimlessly, it pays to plan your day adequately. Planning where you want to go first, choosing what shops to avoid will make it an enjoyable experience.
If you choose Liverpool ONE for your shopping trip then you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy the best experience possible. From personal shoppers and on site information staff to a tailoring service that you can return to if your product isn’t quite right, we care about making your experience with us one to remember.
Liverpool ONE is the home of some of the biggest retail and fashion brands in the world and has everything you could possibly need, all in one place.
{3} Fit in your break or lunch time
It’s all well and good going shopping but every now and again you will need to refuel. For me I find if I know which mall I am going to I ensure to check what kind restaurants they have. I like to include food in my shopping experience because when we are full we are much happier. Plus you get your energy back and can start shopping all over again.
{4} Have a budget
It might seem silly but as someone who was in debt before I ensure I can afford whatever I choose to buy. I now have credit cards to help me build my credit history pre-mortgage but I use them wisely. It took me a while to learn to manage my money so now I budget even for shopping. I have noticed that with a budget I don’t limit myself and don’t buy things I don’t need.
{5} Have fun
For some this might be a hard concept but I promise you shopping can be fun. You just have to be shopping for things that you like with people who you love. No not the cashier, she only wants your money I meant family and friends.
When you’re done shopping, don’t throw away your receipts until everything you bought sticks. What I mean is sometimes whilst shopping something might look good but take it home and it doesn’t. In that instance make sure you return it before 14 to 21 days which I believe is part of the statutory rights. It is best to check with the store on their return policy before you leave the store. I always try to read the back of my receipt of ask the cashier about returns policy.
There is an Ultimate Shopping Experience eBook which features yet more top tips. And takes into account key trends you should know before you leave the house.
Raushan Kumar says
Shopping is not such an easy task as it looks. Thanks for giving such ideas. They are actually needed to keep in mind.
Anosa says
For many it is not but I still love it
Annemarie LeBlanc says
If it is shopping for a major purchase, like an appliance or a bed/mattress, I do my research because I want to get the best price. However, if it is shopping for groceries or clothes, I stay within budget by leaving my credit card at home. I only take cash with me. That ensures I do not overspend.
Anosa says
That’s really good and I agree on appliances, its better to research before heading out to purchase the appliances
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
I love shopping … but only when I plan things ahead of time. I tend to get distracted and knowing that helps me do things accordingly instead of wasting time strolling and wasting countless hours. 🙂 Love this post. Totally can relate!
Anosa says
Thanks Angela, it pays to plan and budget for sure
chubskulit says
I always want to go when I have a little extra budget for shopping. It’s not practical to go and use credit card when you know you don’t have budget to pay for it.
Anosa says
Exactly, whilst I travel with my credit cards I rarely spend on them because of my bad experience in the past
David Elliott says
Maybe if I did more research ahead of time I would have more fun doing it. But I have never been that guy unfortunately. I have always focused on other things.
Anosa says
Awww bless you David, it can be hard especially if shopping is not something you like to do
My Teen Guide says
Before I go shopping, I make a list of what I need. I have also done research regarding price points and discount coupons available. Sticking with the budget is the most difficult thing to do, but I work around this hurdle by not bringing a credit card with me. I take only cash.
Anosa says
Only taking cash is a great tip as you only spend what you have
tessa s says
What great tips! I love to go shopping but tend to get worn down when I go. And I also end up spending way more than I wanted to. I will take these in mind next time. Thanks!
Anosa says
Awww bless, I think with a plan in mind and a budget you can avoid overspending
paulabendfeldt says
These are all great tips. Having a budget is really necessary as sometimes you just get carried away.
Anosa says
Exactly and most of us women are guilty of getting carried away
twinklingtina says
i was a shopaholic of sorts i just had to shop on weekends! but now i am simply bored of it and now i shop when i need, i have some cheat days though!
Anosa says
Hahaha, I love that ‘cheat days’ I think I have too many of them that’s why I am still a shopaholic lol
Andrea Soranidis says
These are definitely great tips! I don’t really like shopping, and it’s often time & money consuming, so your tips will be really handy to my next trip to the mall, especially #4 !!
Anosa says
Thank you and shopping is not for everyone but with a little planning people can definitely enjoy the experience
Amber Pilcher says
Grocery shopping is no big deal for me. Clothes shopping? That’s a completely different story. I wholeheartedly agree on researching before you go to the shops to see what runs small (or big).
Anosa says
I do love a spot of grocery shopping every now and again which is always fun
Robert Stukowski says
Since I only go shopping when I need stuff, my shopping trips are fairly quick.
Anosa says
That’s really good, some of us go even when we don’t necessary need stuff but want them lol
Pam W says
These are great tips for having an enjoyable shopping experience. I always try to go in with a game plan.
Anosa says
Exactly when you have your game plan it makes for a great shopping experience
Alison Rost says
Sometimes shopping can be very tedious. Thanks for this blog post. Shopping should be more enjoyable with these tips.
Anosa says
It can be tedious but if you research, budget and plan then it can be fun
Natasha Nicholes says
The older I get the more I realize I don’t have the energy to spend all day shopping as much as I used to. I love having a plan, and I love making sure that I am close enough to good restaurants to sit and refuel. My husband just wants to make sure that there is plenty of sitting space wherever we’re going, and he’s fine.
Anosa says
Hahaha you sound like me, I need to know where we can eat after shopping then with my shopping plan in place we head out
OhNikka says
My kind of girl!! I love shopping trips, and hosting shopping parties!!!!
Anosa says
I would love to attend a shopping party, that sounds like a shopaholic’s dream
Sarah Bailey says
I love this I used to adore going shopping these days I mostly do it from home but I miss the days of hitting the high street.
Anosa says
Awww bless you luv, thanks for stopping by
Katie Kinsley says
I have a hard time shopping in person because I end up wanting so much. I usually spend my time checking prices online.
Anosa says
Awww bless you, ensure you always have a plan, buy the things you wanted then window shop.
T-Nicole Johnson says
This are wonderful tips. Planning ahead and having a budget makes things a lot easier for me when shopping.
Anosa says
Thank you and so true, plan and budget
Anamika Ojha says
Some great tips Anosa! These days I’m addicted to online shopping! Even if I’m not buying stuff, I love to treat my eyes with amazing online stores. I need to work on my habit!
Anosa says
Girl I think online shopping will be the end of us, I do the same but every once in a while I just want to experience shopping in a mall or something similar
Taiwo says
I just need a personal stylist.. and all the money in the world lol that’s the perfect way for an enjoyable shopping experience.
Since i don’t have that (lol), your list is a good start!
Anosa says
Hahaha Tai you crack me up but so true lol
Ayushi Arora says
Though, I am not a big fan of shopping, I buy clothes necessarily for some occasion, meeting etc. But yes. the shopping guide given by you is amazing. Although, I am a foodie so I never forget to indulge food in my shopping day!
Anosa says
I always indulge in some food when shopping as i feel it’s part and parcel of the experience
Franc Ramon says
I think it would really be important to work within a budget. It also help to plan your purchase and itinerary to have a smoother time shopping.
Anosa says
Exactly! Nothing worse than not planning and running out of money before you even buy the essentials
Amber says
Having a budget is SO important. I love to shop, but if I can’t afford something, I pass.
Anosa says
Same here, if I cant afford it I don’t spend it
Shirley Wood says
My hubby is quite the shopaholic. He is still going strong hours after I’m tired but it makes for so much fun. You are right, there is nothing like seeing that sale tag and grabbing the last one in your size!
Anosa says
Aww bless your hubby, is a rare one.
I love the sale sign and practically run over to see whats what
Jackie says
These are great tips especially for me who loves shopping. I actually do my research as well and it is so helpful. I’m actually going out tomorrow to look for a formal dress for Sunday.
Anosa says
Oh cool, hope you have a lovely time shopping for a formal dress
Jaime Nicole says
I like to shop most of the time, as long as there aren’t crowds. Crowds are a deal breaker for me. Great tips!
Anosa says
Crowds are deal breakers for many people hence why I always like being organised so I can whiz through the crowds and be done
Robin Rue says
Every shopping experience is enjoyable for me. I LOVE shopping. Even for stupid stuff for the house 🙂
Anosa says
Hahaha I love that
Olujorby Chemqueen says
I’m also a shopaholic like you. I love to spend and I make sure I work hard to get the money I need. You have just nailed it with the great tips you stated above.
Anosa says
Thank you Olu, much appreciated
ADARSH M says
Yes, we should take a note of things that we want to buy before going for a shopping. Everyone don’t like wandering around the mall aimlessly. Thank you for this tips.
Anosa says
You’re most welcome, it really helps to be more organised