Today’s Financial Message Just for you, {{ first name | friend}}
Those retail workers unboxing returns all day know which "doorbuster deal" is actually last year's model with a new price tag. They know when the real markdowns hit - hint: it may not be only Black Friday anymore.
They've seen every shopping hack attempted and know which ones actually work versus which ones just annoy everyone.… Continue Reading
Talking to the people who work at the stores like they’re…people…can leave you with some pretty sweet tips and insider secrets.
Gen X has been called ‘the most entrepreneurial’ of all the generations, although Gen Z is coming for our title.
And in light of this article, I had to wonder - is that because so many of us grew up working crummy retail jobs where we KNEW we could run a business better?
Like many of you, I started my career in retail jobs - namely, a once mighty industry leader in the women’s undergarment game, who has since been glamorously overshadowed by alluring gonch-juggernaut Victoria’s Secret.
But despite all the crap I took in the 4 years at that job, working in one of the world’s biggest malls gave me massive insight into how to hack holiday shopping, avoid the crowds and time the deals to my benefit - so we thought we’d help you reap the rewards too.
12 Hot Tips for Holiday Shopping From Retail Workers
Black Friday has deep roots in history - going all the way back to when the department store was king - and they traditionally waited until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas (Can you imagine?! Costco puts out inflatable Santas when we’re all still on summer vacation.).
1. "Doorbuster" Deals Are Often Old Inventory
It really depends on the store, but a lot of promotions feature back-room stock, discontinued items, or low-demand pieces that stores need to move. The sale is designed to clear space, not necessarily give you the best price. A lot of businesses end their fiscal year on December 31st and want to maximize sales…while minimizing how much inventory they need to count in January.
2. Shop Weekend Nights for Empty Stores and Available Staff
In 2007, I worked in one of the largest malls in the world - it wasn’t unusual to have 100,000 people shopping in one day. And guess what - most of them came between 10am - 5pm, swarmed the shops and bailed after a food court visit. Evenings were when staff could breathe, fill shelves and actually talk to people. If you hate crowds and need help, I still find the sweet spot to be Saturday nights. (You’ll also get WAY better parking.)
3. Check Open-Box and Returns Sections
Stores like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Kohl's quietly stock open-box deals, like items returned once, fully functional, and discounted 20–50%. Retail workers know these sections aren't advertised because stores don't want to draw attention to returns.
These are hidden gems during the holidays when every dollar counts.
Read the whole article for all the details:
More good stuff to get your holiday savings in order…
“Where’s the gift with purchase?”
“If I Sign Up for a Store Credit Card This Year, I’ll Save Money, Right?” …Maybe? Or you could end up paying a ton in interest payments if you don’t read the small print.
“Let’s spend all our money on the perfect tree this year.”
“I Really Want to Dial it Back This Year, But I’m Not Sure Where to Start.” Embrace simplicity - if you’re ready that is. Spend less, value more by adopting a more minimalist mindset.
“And I didn’t have to order it from Amway!”
“Is it Possible to Make a Holiday Meal Without Emptying My Wallet or Only Eating Beans?” What’s wrong with beans? But yes, of course it is - and we have a pretty sick meal plan to keep you looking gourmet, but feeling like you saved your allowance.
Not so fun fact:
In 2024, collectively, how much did American banks take in overdraft fees?
What did you think of today's newsletter?
*overdraft fees source: https://finhealthnetwork.org/research/overdraft-nsf-fees-bigger-burden-than-previously-estimated/