Posts Tagged ‘Black Friday’

Xmas in July. . . Why?

What’s all this “Christmas in July” really about?

Some people might think that “Xmas in July” is nothing more than a sales ploy…an attempt to create more consume, consume, consume.  But we at Spend Less TV.com don’t look at it like that.  During the holiday season we find we’re often dashing around at the last minute frantically trying to pull something together for the inevitable friend or relative who was inadvertently left off the list, or the surprise out of town guest who shows up on gift-sharing day, or the grab-bag party that suddenly falls on your lap to host.  That’s where “Xmas in July” comes in.  Why wait for the last minute? What better time than now to snag that fabulous holiday outfit, plan for DIY projects,  stock up on accessories to set a festive party table  or create a welcoming front door wreath? And planning ahead means you can take advantage of off-season reduced prices, cut down on impulse spending, and have fewer parking space confrontations on Black Friday.

To celebrate Xmas in July and hopefully spare you some last-minute frantic grief, Spend Less TV has made these festive video links available now. We know you’ll love not only the savings tips in these videos, but also the creative ideas and festive mood they set…we can already smell the chestnuts roasting in an open fire….

What are some frantic last minute chores you’d like to avoid this next holiday season?

Use What You Have to Decorate for Holidays - Andie Huber, Editor, Good Housekeeping

Handmade Gifts - Kim Danger, founder of Mommersavers.com

Holiday Decorating on a Budget – Interior designer, Lisa Canning

Decorating Budget Tips – Designer, Kelly Edwards, from TV’s “Design on a Dime”

We originally wrote this entry for MidwestMom blog who had invited us to be a guest blogger for her Xmas in July event on July 14, 2009. We really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute our videos to her fantastic festive ideas. MidwestMom blog is no longer active and the author has retired to focus on other career pursuits and spend more time with her family. We know she’ll excel, and we send our best.

Winter Holiday Facts:  See an impressive List of World-Wide Winter Festivals

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The Single Most Helpful Tip for Holiday (or any day) Shopping – Better than The Macy’s Parade!

sltv blog post: Better Than the Macy's Parade

Macy’s Department Store, Stamford, Connecticut, USA

We’ve been on the “Just Ask” topic lately.  That’s because the technique has been working for us, and really well, too. Admittedly, it did take a few times before we got 100% completely comfortable using it, but now we use it just about everywhere.

If we had to choose the one single most helpful tip for holiday shopping, (or any shopping) it would most certainly be: Just Ask.

Here  is one of the recent “Deals” we were able to get, by JUST ASKING:

Our purchase was complete, clothes in bags, and we were walking away from the sales counter when we actually stopped, went back to the counter and asked the Macy’s sales associate our new favorite phrase, “Are there any other offers or promotions which we might be entitled to that we may not be aware of?” Our savings added up to over $75!  Even though it took something like 4 transactions to make it happen, our sales clerk did it with a smile, and in addition, we ended up with gift cards that benefit charity… just by asking! It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Jamie, sltv

Related videos:

Department Stores: When to Get The Best Deals
Craig Stokes, personal shopper and stylist.

Timing is Key For Bargains
KCRA-3 TV Sacramento

Related blog entry: The Single Most Helpful Tip for Shopping, part 2

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