Will you shop in spite of economic woes?
The holiday season is right around the corner. Does that mean debt is knocking on our door?
Despite layoffs and economic trouble, many people will continue to rack up debt this holiday season. It makes them feel better, like nothing has really changed. What an awful mistake that would be.
A book landed on my desk this week, ‘Shoptimism: Why The American Consumer Will Keep On Buying No Matter What.’”
I’m intrigued and can’t wait to jump into this book by author Lee Eisenberg.
I wondered: Will you set a holiday shopping budget? Will it be more or less than usual? Will you search for layaway plans? Is there really such a thing as a ‘Shopaholic?’
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10 comments Add your comment
A
October 19th, 2009
11:05 am
Our sons are college-age, so they get the same amount of cash they’ve been getting the past 2 years. I’ll buy more food so we can feast!! And yes, there is such a thing as a “shopaholic”, you want to meet my sister? LOL !!
madmommy
October 19th, 2009
11:46 am
I have never been one to spend a ton on the Holidays and this year will be no different from the last. I tend to enjoy time spent with family and friends and prefer to make my gifts. This year’s gifts are going to be mini photo scrapbooks to a few family members and homemade jam for everyone else. I generally do “family” gifts as with having so many brothers and sisters not to mention all the neices and nephews and my own child to think about, it can get just to crazy. Thankfully all my friends understand and I think they enjoy my homemade gift a bit more than just a gift card. (Although the ones for coffee are always a hit)
Just remembering what the holiday is about and creating new family traditions that don’t circle around the latest gizmo or “thing.” You can’t put a price tag on memories, so whip up a great meal and breakout the boardgames, dance music and create some fun and joy instead of debt. (must have sweats on or holiday sweater to fully enjoy)
Just me though,
Robin
October 19th, 2009
12:56 pm
Things are tighter this year at our house, but we will still give our little one a good Christmas. However, I doubt we can give anyone else a gift this year.
I was desperately seeking a retailer that has the lay-a-way program, and was completely disgusted with Walmart. I was told I could get a walmart credit card. NO THANK YOU!
I do want to share that I discovered that K-mart does have a lay-a-way program and that you can do it entirely online. You can even have your items shipped to your home address. ANd, K-mart even gives a 10% discount on items that are purchased online.
ALso, K-mart has a program that gives unemployed families 20% discount on merchandise. I don’t know the details, and hope that maybe Rana can check this out.
I really appreciate K-mart for helping people out during this recession. I will be supporting K-mart from now on, and Walmart can just do without my business!
Thank you
Rana Cash
October 19th, 2009
1:34 pm
Robin,
I sure will. I am working on a story about layaway programs right now.
SRH
October 19th, 2009
1:40 pm
Hi Rana, do you have an e-mail address at AJC? Please advise, and thanks.
Alexis
October 19th, 2009
1:46 pm
I am doing my shopping now at thrift stores and yard sales, it’s a good way to save money and recycle items that others no longer want or use. One of my favorites is Estate Sales by Brenda (check out her web site) she has a store where she sells inventory from her estate sales.
Rana Cash
October 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
Sure, SRH: rcash@ajc.com
Robin
October 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
Thank you Rana! I was hoping you would do a story about retailers with discounts, lay-a-way, etc. Thank you so much!
Kathy
October 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
Nope! Sorry, no extra money for ANYTHING. Hopefully I will have enough to buy for a nice dinner. But that is all.
Family will decorate with what we had last year.
K
Becky
October 20th, 2009
8:46 am
I’m with Alexis on shopping..I love thrift stores and yard sales for buying stuff..Over the weekend I bought 8 Ralph Lauren shirts for a quarter each..Can’t beat that..At least not in my opinion..