'Panic Saturday' set to be busiest 'Day of Christmas Shopping' as Sales Start Early

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose; millions of fevered shoppers battling for bargain buys on overcrowded high streets across the country on “Panic Saturday” – Christmas is a magical time.

The busiest day in the Christmas shopping calendar has landed as shops kick off their January sales early in an effort to lure last-minute bargain hunters.

Around 12.6 million Britons are expected to hit the sales in search of seasonal discounts, according to the Centre for Retail Research, while a mild autumn and unexpectedly low Black Friday sales have left businesses desperate to shift a buildup of stock.

Retailers including River Island, H&M, Sports Direct, Argos and Sainsbury’s are already slashing prices – with many more sales due to kick off against tradition before Christmas.

Those still searching for the perfect Christmas gift can expect discounts of 45% on average, according to accountancy firm Deloitte.

As Christmas falls on a Friday this year, “Panic Saturday” is expected to kick off a £6bn six-day spending spree - 23% more than the same period last year when Christmas Day fell on Thursday.

Jason Gordon, consumer business partner at Deloitte, said: “Compared to 2014, there is already a noticeable increase in both the volume and value of discounts in the run-up to Christmas this year.

“Whilst this is good news for consumers looking to grab a bargain, it is a clear sign that retailers are being faced with what is now an annual uphill battle.”
Credit and debit card giant Visa predicts that shoppers will spend £1.14bn on Visa cards in stores on Saturday, which is up by 3% on last year.

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Still shopping? Here's how to get a deal on last-minute Christmas gifts

 The deadline for free shipping online has passed, but, if you're like me, you still have a few holes to fill on that gift list. 
If you have to rush out to stores today, there are still a few ways you can snag a deal.

First, don't forget that stores like Toys "R" Us will match online prices, including prices advertised on Amazon.com. Currently, Amazon.com is offering some large discounts on toys, according to blackfridaycentral.com.
Secondly, nearly every retailer offers some type of coupon or promotional code that can be used in stores. Find all of those codes at retailmenot.com. You can print the coupons at home, but smartphone users can simply bring up the coupon with its barcode on their phone to be scanned at the checkout.
Many retailers are hoping to lure out shoppers in these last few days before Christmas, and many are offering big deals. Bath and Body Works, for example, is hosting its buy three, get three free sale and is offering customers a free gift with a $10 purchase. The Children's Place has all of its denim discounted to $5.99, and The Limited is offering 50 to 60 percent off storewide, to name a few.
source: http://goo.gl/tPbbmT

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The 7 Best Things to Buy in December

Just try to get through December without buying something. It's the time when everyone's hustling and bustling to shop for gifts, hosting supplies, food and beverages. While you're bound to spend more this month compared to other months, rest easy knowing there are some decent deals to be had.

 Hit the thrift stores

 

After Black Friday -- and after all that cleaning people do in anticipation of guests coming over for the holidays and before the end of the year, when people are thinking about tax deductions -- thrift stores experience an influx of donations. That means lots of hot deals on quality, gently used items for you, especially as people replace items like TVs, coffee makers, clothing, furniture, decor and more. The best time to visit thrift stores is when they open on a Monday or Tuesday, as most people donate over the weekends.

source: http://goo.gl/PKZlGm

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What’s on your Wishlist this Christmas?

Find out what your friends really want for Christmas through the new CapitaMalls Wishlist iPhone App!

The best feeling one can get during the holiday season is to have your friends or loved ones unwrap your gift to them and say, "That's what I want this Christmas!"

With more than 500 gift selections from 90 participating retailers across 16 CapitaMalls in Singapore, CapitaMalls Wishlist iPhone app allows you to shop virtually by browsing through catalogues on your phone.

Get inspiration for gift ideas for your loved ones and create your own wishlists to share with your friends. When they share their wishlists with you in return, you can be sure that you'll know exactly what they want, and trust us, they will be beaming from ear to ear when they receive your gift.

With retailers including Aeropostale, Furla, Kate Spade New York, kikki.K, Lee Hwa Jewellery, MPH Bookstore, Nikon, The Body Shop and more – you will be spoilt for choice!

Gift selections range from diamond pendants for that special someone (from Lee Hwa Jewellery); well-earned massage for mum (from SPA by Traditional Javanese Massage Hut); cookies for the folks at work (from The Cookie Museum); or, head phones for the music buff (from Sony Centre by Juzz1) and more.

CapitaCard members also get to enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits for selected gifts. In addition, enjoy more than 40 exclusive mobile eCoupons offers through the CapitaMalls App feature. Retailers offering discount coupons for grabs include AHAVA, Courts, Furla, GNC Live Well and more!

The cool thing is that the app is equipped with a Shopping Planner to help you locate the items on your shopping list at the nearest CapitaMall!

So, what are you waiting for? Download CapitaMalls Wishlist app and start your shopping spree today!

Find your gift via "GIFT FINDER"

Need a gift recommendation for your loved ones? Try "GIFT IDEAS" for suggestions by herworldPLUS, hardwarezone, CLEO, popular fashion blogger Beatrice Tan and family blogger Mother Inc.

Check out "POPULAR GIFTS" to view most "liked" products that have been added to the wishlists of others or if you're looking for more inspiration, browse "GIFT CATALOGUE" to pick from our wide range of products!

If you are a CapitaCard member, check out "CAPITACARD EXCLUSIVE" for great deals!

Add gifts to "MY WISHLIST" & share

Once you've found what you want in the "GIFT FINDER" product pages, add the item to "MY WISHLIST" tab and share the item or your entire wishlist with your friends via email, sms or Facebook! Now your friends will know what you want for Christmas and they can also share their wishlists with you! No more second guessing.

Remember to update your profile under "FRIENDS' WISHLISTS" tab with your email address(es) or mobile number(s).

Add gifts to "SHOPPING LIST" & share

Found something suitable for your loved ones or friends in the "GIFT FINDER" product pages? You can add the item to the "SHOPPING LIST" tab and tell your friends about it via email or sms. If your friends are existing CapitaMalls Wishlist users, you can even send them a notification via "CapitaMalls Wishlist".

Plan Your Shopping Trip

Keep track of your "SHOPPING LIST" by using your "SHOPPING PLANNER"

Once you have your "SHOPPING LIST" lined up, you're all set! Use it as a check list to keep track of your selected items. If you are ready to buy the items, use "SHOPPING PLANNER" to locate the items on your "SHOPPING LIST" based on your current location or at the nearest CapitaMall.

If you are looking for Christmas deals, click on "CAPITAMALLS APP" to enjoy more than 40 exclusive mobile eCoupon offers at participating retailers this festive season!

Resource: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/what%E2%80%99s-your-wishlist-christmas

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Guess “Where’s Bella?” And Go Skating

The “Where’s Bella?” contest continues with a new photo and location. Shopping News readers have the opportunity to win a family 4-pack to the Ice Park at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

By correctly identifying the location in which Bella, the black lab, is photographed, your entry will be entered to win a weekly random drawing. This week, the contest entry form, rules and regulations can be found on page 20A. Remember to check back weekly for a new chance to win!

If you are like Bella and you enjoy Christmas decorations and you like inflatables, then your dream destination awaits in this local town. This property boasts over 50 unique inflatables to delight young and old alike. Bella was very excited as Santa popped his head out of the camper while she posed. Simply name the town she is in.

resource:http://www.snews.com/

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