‘Slow Shopping’ Strategy: A Savvy Way to Save Money This Holiday Season

As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are increasingly turning to a strategy known as “slow shopping” to combat impulse spending and make more deliberate purchasing decisions. According to consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch, this approach emphasizes taking the time to carefully consider each purchase rather than succumbing to the temptation of instant gratification.

The Benefits of Slow Shopping

Woroch notes that slow shopping enables shoppers to move beyond initial emotional reactions and reassess their needs or desires without the pressure of missing out on deals. “This thoughtful approach can help you avoid impulse purchases,” she says. By allowing time to reflect, consumers can make better-informed decisions and often find ways to wait for items to go on sale, optimizing their savings.

Using price-tracking tools, such as the browser extensions CamelCamelCamel or Keepa, can aid shoppers in monitoring price fluctuations and notifying them when an item’s price drops, further supporting the slow shopping mindset. Additionally, this approach provides consumers with the opportunity to save for larger purchases.

Rising Popularity of Slow Shopping

The trend is gaining traction, with a recent survey by Affirm revealing that 73% of shoppers are adopting slow shopping techniques this holiday season. Approximately 60% reported starting their shopping earlier, taking care to be mindful of their purchases. Many shoppers are leveraging slow shopping to take advantage of more deals and promotions.

Vishal Kapoor, senior vice president of product at Affirm, highlights that this year’s trend is distinct, as consumers not only begin their shopping earlier but also approach it with more thoughtfulness.

Economic Context and Spending Trends

With U.S. credit card debt reaching $1.14 trillion, the stakes for responsible spending are high this holiday season. The National Retail Federation predicts that spending between November 1 and December 31 will rise to between $979.5 billion and $989 billion. Deloitte’s holiday retail survey estimates that average spending per shopper will increase by 8%, reaching $1,778.

However, a concerning 28% of consumers who used credit cards last year have yet to pay off their holiday purchases. This underscores the need for a careful approach to avoid falling into debt. Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy for Experian, points out that the allure of sales can lead to overspending, with over half of adults admitting to making at least one impulse purchase last holiday season.

Strategies for Effective Holiday Spending

To manage holiday expenses effectively, Griffin recommends creating a detailed shopping list to guide spending and resist the allure of unplanned purchases. Establishing a holiday fund can also ease financial pressure. “Having set money aside allows for more flexible spending without the risk of accruing expensive credit card debt,” says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate.

Experts emphasize the importance of starting holiday shopping early. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday occurring later in the calendar this year, a shorter holiday season may prompt retailers to offer more promotions throughout November. Adam Davis, managing director at Wells Fargo Retail Finance, suggests consumers sign up for store newsletters and mobile alerts for access to early deals and discounts, as well as potential free shipping options.

By embracing slow shopping and employing strategic budgeting techniques, consumers can navigate the holiday season more mindfully and potentially save significantly in the process.