A Shoppers delight!

Shopping can be a frustrating experience especially in these financially stressed times. It seems as if your salary is all gone before the month is over.  The bills seem to be always climbing while the salary remains the same.

For those essentials that we need for daily life we certainly have to find the funds, but what about the ‘finer’ things in life?

It is often that consumers have to decide if they really want to spend their salary on non essential items or put aside some for a rainy day.

Shopping Blues

Recently I went shopping with a limited budget hoping to take advantage of the discounts I had seen advertised in the media. It was with great disappointment that I noted that the prices of certain items were not greatly affected by the sale.

One store that boasted a hefty 60% discount had only hiked up the prices on items then reduced it slightly so that it could claim it was offering a discount.

I found no reason to feel as if I was getting any value for my dollar.

There were however good experiences, one of which was at Answers for Children in Tropical Plaza on Constant Spring Road in Kingston. They offered a 50% discount on all items store wide. The only problem I experienced was the lack of a variety of sizes since customers had made use of the opportunity to purchase large quantities of items.

Shopping Fun

While paying a reduced cost is very important, customer service is also a factor as customers who feel appreciated will continue to shop at the store. Recently I had a very pleasant run in with a sales clerk who helpfully offered such great service that even though I did not buy the item I decided that based on her pleasant demeanor, I would definitely return.

This has not always been the case as sales clerks in some places seem to be lacking in customer service skills.  Their interactions with customers are often interspersed with bored expressions. They are not quite the ambassadors of their store’s brand and instead turn away current and prospective customers.

So enjoy your shopping and remember to check to ensure you are really saving money!!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online Writer

Tags: discounts