How to Make Shopping Fun

For some people shopping is a pleasure — they can literally "shop till they drop". They enjoy shopping, not because they look for clothes and other items, but because they know how to look for these items and generally leave the store feeling happy with their purchase. A shopaholic will almost always find bargains, unusual products and little hidden treasures that the general shopper never manages to find.

On the other hand, there are those people who hate to shop. They hate everything about it and usually only go to the malls when they absolutely need something and often leave their shopping until the very last minute. This kind of shopping experience can never be fun. Between fighting in the parking lot to secure a spot and dodging shoppers who seem to be on a Sunday stroll, you are already setting yourself up for an unpleasant experience.

Being in a bad mood before you hit shops means you will rummage through the shelves, and not really pay attention to what you are seeing. The result: you will leave the shop either empty handed or very unhappy with your purchase.

So, how can you make shopping more fun?

First of all, yes it is possible to have a pleasant time when you go shopping, provided you follow these three golden rules:

Rule number 1: Make it a date

Don't leave your shopping trips for the very last minute. Plan ahead and dedicate at least one full day to shopping. You don't have to shop all day, but you should ensure that you don't have any other plans for a good couple of hours. Besides, every girl needs at least one shopping session a month.

If you're a working girl, take a day off instead of risking a trip to the malls on the weekends, when they are overcrowded and just plain unpleasant. Try to put in your leave soon after payday so that you do have some cash to play with.

Rule number 2: Go with a friend

When you go with company, you not only have someone to refer to and ask "how do I look", but you also make the occasion more sociable, therefore more enjoyable. Shopping sprees are a great way to meet up with your girlfriends and discuss the usual chitter chatter, which is far more pleasant in person than on the phone. Book a lunch date and incorporate it into your shopping spree.

Rule number 3: Coffee stops

Stopping for regular coffee breaks is a must. Marathon shopping can be tiresome and a quick cup of coffee can help perk you up for a few more rounds of shopping. Stop at least every three hours, especially if you have a long shopping day planned. You will feel better and enjoy the experience more.

Author: Dimi Ingle
Copyright: Remedium. This article may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Remedium.