Before we get into the specific times, let's start by looking at how long it takes to shop during different parts of the year. Shopping hours vary throughout the year based on your schedule and whether you want to shop online.
Most stores are open Monday through Saturday, but some are open on Sundays or not at all. Some stores may stay open until 8 or 9 p.m., while others close their doors by 5 p.m. You'll also need to ensure you're generous with your budget. If you're on a budget, you'll want to shop as close to the end of the day as possible.
The best hours will depend on your schedule and how many sales events you want to attend.
If you're going to be around during prime shopping hours and can only make it during non-peak times, then it's a good idea to go shopping later in the day when there are fewer people. Some places may even stay open until around 9 p.m.
Stores are commonly open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., but some stores are open all day every day so this varies from store to store.
When it comes to paying for items at a store, there are few certainties in life. One is that the sun will eventually come up; the other is finding out when's best for you to go shopping.
Fox News recently reported that this is always a tough decision because many people always think they're going to buy on sale or get a better deal on Black Friday, but what's more important? If you're not sure when the right time would be, these tips might help you figure it out.
These days, what's important isn't when we'll make our next big purchase but how much money we spend while we're at the store. So, who's to blame for the fact that we try to get the best deal? We blame retailers, but they're not the only ones at fault. The consumer is as well.
According to Fox News, it's often difficult to predict when stores have their best sales rates. This means that shoppers have a tough time deciding when to "shop the sale." If you're like most people, you can't spend all of your free time shopping for a good deal on clothes and other items. With that said, here are Fox News' tips on when it will be best for you to go shopping:
Weekday mornings are always better than weekends to shop sales as many stores like Costco open early and offer great deals. In addition, shopping late at night will also help you find good deals as many stores don't have to "pack up" when they close.
Shopping online is still considered a great option. If you're looking to buy clothes, furniture and other items, businesses like Amazon provide great deals that even beat Black Friday deals.
Before shopping at a store, it's always important to check store hours. For example, if the store opens at 10 am on Monday but closes at 8 pm on Saturday, it would be better for you to go during the week.
1. Monday at Night- The weekend is over, but most people haven't come back from their holiday yet so stores tend to be empty and it's easy to get a parking spot! You also can usually find some good deals after Thanksgiving falls on the early side of November.
2. Saturday Afternoon- You can usually find stores opening their doors late, but are still not packed full of people. The lines are usually shorter than on Black Friday.
3. Monday Morning- A lot of the stores open at 5:00 a.m. so you have the opportunity to get some bargains if you don't feel like waiting in long lines on Black Friday morning! Also, stores can be a lot less crowded since everyone is still hungover from Thanksgiving Day!
4. Late Sunday- Many stores will open in the evening as opposed to early in the day, so it's possible you can get some great deals!
5. Monday Night- Stores are starting to get empty by this time, so you can easily find some good deals. Also, it's easy to find parking since everyone is still hanging around on Black Friday.
6. Tuesday Morning- Stores open at 5:00 a.m., but you can usually find some great deals and still no one is in line!
7. Tuesday Afternoon- Stores are starting to close up for the day, so if you want great deals then you should head out early!
8. Wednesday Afternoon- The stores are starting to get empty and people already went shopping on Black Friday so all the parking spaces will be available for you!
9. Wednesday Evening- Many stores will open for late-night shopping on this day so you'll be able to get some great deals in a less crowded area!
TOP TIPS
1. As a rule of thumb, if it seems like everyone is just killing time waiting for Black Friday, and the deals are not that great, it's probably not going to be worth your time. If you see lines wrapped around the whole store and no one is buying anything, maybe wait a couple of months before you go shopping again.
2. Remember that it doesn't have to be Black Friday or Cyber Monday to find great deals; if there is something you want or need just look online!
3. You can find some great sales online to compare prices. Just make sure to read the reviews and check out any additional sales that may be going on.
4. If you're not sure about buying something online, don't be afraid to ask a sales associate if they can try to find you a better price in person! Most places will have a little discount area where they give different prices so that people don't feel like they're getting ripped off.
5. Buy gently used items; if you buy something that's brand new but used, it is still new and hasn't been worn at all!
6. Always read any type of sales or coupons before you buy anything.
7. Don't forget to ask the sales associate if you have a specific item in mind and would like to win it from the current promotions that are on! Most stores will give away stuff for free or almost free.
Conclusion
So, when is the best time to go shopping?
Generally, any time except Friday nights, Saturday mornings, and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
If you can avoid those times, you're likely to have a more pleasant experience. But if you do find yourself at the mall or store during one of those peak periods, remember that it's not just you - most people are feeling overwhelmed and stressed at that time.
Just take a deep breath and be prepared to battle the crowds!
