Savvy South African shoppers know that Christmas shopping is a game of strategy. Impulse shoppers can be trusted to clear the bulk of seasonal merchandise so that savvy shoppers can splurge on the best post-Christmas bargains.
Decoding the ‘shopper’s high’: acquisition vs. possession
The Christmas sales trends show consumers are prioritising value as shoppers are shopping for essentials over luxuries.
Shopping is an adrenaline rush fueled by urgency, gratification, and instant satisfaction, but the “shopper’s high” soon wears off because the real thrill of shopping is in the acquisition, not the possession. It’s equally frustrating for anyone averse to crowds, children, and cashiers.
Waiting for the post-Christmas sales affords one a more leisurely shopping experience with the added advantage of deeply discounted merchandise. Festive spending may peak pre-Christmas Day, but the real savings begin when the wrapping paper is cleared.
The post-Christmas period between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is a critical time for retailers desperate to create space for new inventory.
Christmas Sales: Why Boxing Day Kicks Off the Deepest Discounts
For savvy consumers seeking extra value, it’s the post-Christmas bargains that offer more value for your money, especially when they focus on high-value, functional items that they would normally spend money on.
Common household items often get a novelty twist or added value during the festive season, offering an added if you normally use them throughout the year.
Just to be clear, the value is in buying what you would normally use frequently. For example, artisanal oils and vinegars, luxury bath products, or cheap and cheerful cushions for an instant room makeover.
Leave the half-priced Christmas trees and dancing Santas for extreme couponers who will hoard for the Christmas apocalypse.
Christmas Sales Blueprint: 10 Items to Save on All Year
Savvy discount divas know that the post-Christmas bargains include hidden treasures that offer real-life value throughout the year. So what’s good to buy in bulk during the post-Christmas sales?
- Gourmet Pantry Staples: Stock up on non-perishables like premium coffee, speciality tea, imported biscuits, and fine condiments (e.g., olive oils, spices) that were ordered specifically for festive entertaining and are cleared out due to their seasonal nature.
- Basic Bedding and Towels: Look for deep discounts on plain or neutral-coloured towel sets and basic sheet sets. Retailers overstock these popular gifting items and need to clear the volume immediately.
- Wrapping Paper and Supplies: Buy the non-seasonal wrapping paper, ribbons and gift tags. Retailers clear these items at massive discounts, and good wrapping material never goes unused.
- Assorted Greeting Cards: Stock up on boxed sets of generic cards for miscellaneous occasions. Buying in bulk is significantly cheaper than purchasing individual cards throughout the year.
- Luxury Personal Care Sets: Buy gift sets of luxury hand soaps, body wash, or hand creams in bulk, either for personal use of last-minute gifts throughout the year.
- Batteries: Demand for batteries peaks during Christmas, leaving a surplus that is heavily discounted post-holiday. Batteries have a long shelf life, and you will always need them.
- Food Storage Containers: These often take up a lot of space, so retailers discount them heavily to get rid of them. You will always need storage containers for your home.
- Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Buy in bulk to cover the remaining hot months. Retailers often overstock before Christmas and like to clear the excess stock quickly.
- Board Games and Puzzles: High-quality, family-friendly board games. These bulky gift items are heavily discounted to free up shelf space for new-year inventory and back-to-school items.
- Cleaning and Laundry Detergent: Easily the least exciting of the post-Christmas sales, but take advantage of the bulk discounts to save money until January’s salary clears.
The Final Word: Your Christmas Sales Victory
The festive spending spree is a psychological rat race defined by urgency, but true victory belongs to those shoppers who understand that retail pressure shifts immediately after Christmas.
By waiting and targeting high-value items, from gourmet staples to cleaning supplies, you leverage the retailer’s need for space to build long-term savings for your home.
Ultimately, the “shopper’s high” fades, but splurging to save is a financial win that lasts far beyond the festive season.
