8 tips for a successful Boxing Day shopping spree

Black Friday has always been American, but when it moved to Canada, everyone expected the best deals to shift from Boxing Day to Black Friday.

It didn’t.

Surprisingly, studies show more than 80% of products are actually discounted to an equal or greater amount on Boxing Day, retaining this shopping holiday’s status as the best day for deals. But all the deals mean the stores will be filled with shoppers.

Luckily, the folks over at RedFlagDeals.com put together some top tips for navigating the Boxing Day chaos.

Shop online

Online shopping/iStock

Surveys show that Canadian consumers are skipping the daunting lines and opting to shop from the comfort of their homes. Because of this, retailers are evolving to fit the online landscape, often giving out better deals online than in-store.

Check flyers

RedFlagDeals hosts flyers for stores that reveal their Boxing Day sales up to a week in advance. Be sure to check out the RedFlagDeals Flyers section for these sneak previews, and create a plan of action for your Boxing Day shopping.

Know the return policy

Shopping/iStock

Before paying, be sure to open a new tab in your browser with the store’s return policies. Many stores don’t have a return or exchange policy for items purchased on Boxing Day, so you’ll want to be aware of this to prevent any buyers remorse.

Stay up late and be persistent

The internet never sleeps. So while in-store sales don’t begin until 9 am, online stores sometimes release their deals at midnight on December 25 – and you can use this opportunity to get a head start on everyone else. Also, remember that many stores release new deals every day during the middle of January, so if you don’t see the specific item you’re looking for, be sure to check back.

Look for the most discounted products

Window shopping/iStock

Part of getting great deals is knowing what to buy. Black Friday is marginally better than Boxing Day for big ticket purchases, but Boxing Day is better for savings on nearly all other consumer goods, including clothing, home décor, and small electronics.

Check shipping fees and currency exchange rates

With the declining Canadian dollar, you can’t forget about the exchange rate when you’re shopping at American online retailers. Be sure to check which currency the store is using, as well as shipping and VAT rates for your purchases. That way you won’t get hit with any surprises on your credit card bill.

Shop with a friend

Shopping together/iStock

Avoid any shopping regret by setting up camp with a close friend and hot cocoa. Promise to review each other’s shopping carts before purchasing, so you’ll get a much needed second opinion. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with something you can’t return.

Think ahead

Make sure to think about what you will most need over the coming year and make a list prior to your Boxing Day shopping spree. It might be difficult to justify a new bathing suit in December, but you’ll probably get a lot of use out of it come summer. Seasonal items such as coats and sweaters are the best to invest in at this time of year, as many collections will have their winter items heavily discounted.

Boxing Day can be hectic, but by following a few simple tips you can make your shopping spree a breeze. But out of all the tips, planning ahead is the best. By heading over to RedFlagDeals.com, you’ll be able to check out Boxing Day sales ahead of time and get all the best deals.