http://www.savvysugar.com/ It Makes Sense. en http://www.savvysugar.com/2499690 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2499690"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2499690',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2499690');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/46_2008/b22ea2d482eddd4d_shopper.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="376" width="250"></span>Shopping for gifts with time to spare is one way of ensuring you won't spend too much in a crunch. That doesn't mean you should have to shop year-round, but it certainly can pay to keep an eye out for that special something at the right price. Do you tend to wait until the last minute to buy gifts?</p> <p><br clear=all> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2499690" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Your Two Cents: Do You Go Shopping For Gifts Last Minute?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I am a last minute gift buyer.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't wait until the last minute to shop for gifts.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2499690" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2499690#comment gift holiday poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:30:23 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2499690 http://www.savvysugar.com/2472050 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2472050"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2472050',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2472050');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>The troubled economy has been bad news for everyone but deal-driven Wal-Mart. The world's largest retailer is <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/business/06shopping.html/" target="_blank">preparing for a booming holiday season</a> to follow its successful Summer and Fall sales numbers. One Deutsche Bank analyst predicts it will be “a Wal-Mart Christmas,” and Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics surmises, "It’s going to be a primary destination for a lot of people who may not have gone there in recent years, but who will elect to go there for the price and the value." </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/87d195022e144421_walmar.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="353" width="530"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2472050" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Has the Economy Driven You Into the Arms of Wal-Mart? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I've been shopping at Wal-Mart more since the economy started to crumble.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I'm not shopping there any more than I was before.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I'm still not shopping at Wal-Mart.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2472050" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2472050#comment consumerism economy poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:30:28 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2472050 http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/0ddbe606567c36d5_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="379" width="250"></span>Shopping might <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373/" >feel good after a bad day</a>, but you're doing more harm than good if you're spending money beyond your budget. There are <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670/" >questions you can ask yourself</a> when you're deciding whether or not to make a purchase, but after a bad day those questions might fly right out the window. The best solution is to steer yourself away from going into stores in the first place.</p> <p>Here is a trick that has come in handy for me: Add up the cost of everything that you are currently wearing. Start with your shoes and work your way up, estimating the price of each item and adding those numbers together. The awareness that you spent x amount of money on your outfit, but are considering shopping for no reason, can help deter you from buying things you don't need on a mood-driven shopping trip. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135#comment consumerism shopping tip Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:15:22 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135 http://www.savvysugar.com/2448464 <p><a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/" target="_blank">Teen Vogue</a> is well aware that retail is in big trouble as reflected by its new concept for the 2008 holiday season. Retailers are thirsty for teenage girls to spend like they used to, so <b>Teen Vogue</b> is taking advertising for the demographic to the next level. This is one campaign that doesn't involve the magazine's go-to heartthrob Zac Efron and actually leaves out boys altogether — the magazine has tried to develop the ultimate girls spot in hopes of loosening up wallets. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/b7b2a45bfc19d9f3_teen-vogue.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center outline preview" height="99" width="550"></span></p> <p>The magazine is forming a presence in malls with temporary pop-up stores, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/business/media/30adco.html/" target="_blank">formally called the Teen Vogue Haute Spot</a>. The store won't sell anything but hopes to inspire the urge to splurge by providing makeup and perfume stations, racks of clothing for trying on, informal modeling, and snacks. The stores will be staffed with stylists who are there to give advice and ultimately escort the girls to stores in the mall where they can buy the products they've fallen in love with. </p> <p>Aside from the holiday season stores open from November 28 through December 26, <b>Teen Vogue</b> plans on opening pop-up stores for prom season and back-to-school shopping. Do you think <b>Teen Vogue</b> is on to something, or is their hands-on marketing scheme a dead end in this economy? </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2448464#comment advertising consumerism holiday news shopping Sun, 02 Nov 2008 07:00:15 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2448464 http://www.savvysugar.com/2448117 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2448117"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2448117',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2448117');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/f56968893fea48a1_candy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="213" width="305"></span>Those who celebrate Halloween often spend the day after recovering from two types of hangovers, one of them being from sugary sweets. You might not want to think about candy right now, but there are always big discounts on Halloween treats and decorations starting Nov. 1. Will you be scooping up any of these holiday items on sale? </p> <p><a href="http://www.candywarehouse.com/candycorn.html/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2448117" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Will You Be Shopping For Halloween Stuff on Sale?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I'll shop for post-Halloween discounts. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Maybe, but I won't go to the store for the sole purpose of getting Halloween items.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I won't be shopping for discounted Halloween items.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2448117" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2448117#comment consumerism Halloween poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:00:59 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2448117 http://www.savvysugar.com/2438900 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/c5f0b67d41630d4b_online-shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarge" height="237" width="305"></span>This week we are revving up for the darkness, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween with reminders on <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/tags/In+The+Black+Week/" >how we can stay in-the-black</a> — the holidays are just around the corner, after all. </p> <p><b>In-the-black-tip</b>: The best way to stay on track when there are a lot of items on your shopping list <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685/" >is to create a spending plan</a>, and once you know your budget for each item or person, make your money go further by comparison shopping. Some people prefer to do holiday shopping away from their computers because it gets them in the holiday spirit, but I recommend at least doing some preparation online. Comparison shopping beforehand will ensure that you're not paying more than necessary and you'll know exactly which stores to hit when you go on your shopping mission. Less browsing means less opportunity for temptation driven impulse buys that aren't on your list. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2438900#comment Comparison Shopping In The Black Week shopping tip Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:15:54 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2438900 http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2433373"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2433373',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2433373');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/897b4d0b8e435af6_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="351" width="530"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2433373" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Does Shopping Feel Good When You&#039;ve Had a Bad Day?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, shopping puts me in a better mood after a bad day.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes, but it's not my go-to bad day remedy.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't use shopping to make me feel better.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2433373" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373#comment consumerism poll retail therapy Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:15:17 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373 http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/db942ae2baac6f07_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="377" width="300"></span>We're celebrating Halloween with <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2420748/" >In-the-Black Week</a>, but this tip is something to also keep in mind when you are preparing to shop for the upcoming holidays. </p> <p><b>In-the-Black tip</b>: Shop with a purpose. Make a list of the things you're hoping to find, whether it's a new holiday party dress for you or gifts for the people you love. Next to each item or person's name, write how much you can afford to spend. You may be able to spend $200 on yourself normally, but when you have a long list of gifts to buy, you might have to spend less. Use a spreadsheet to track the purchases as you go including what you paid for each item, so you can clearly see how well you are sticking to your overall spending plan. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685#comment Halloween holiday In The Black Week money saving shopping spending Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:45 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685 http://www.savvysugar.com/2398783 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/43_2008/253ad985fc5e68b2_cash.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="202" width="305"></span>It's bad news for retailers, but good for financial health. Cash is making a comeback as <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/22/news/economy/retail_cash/index.htm/" target="_blank">the preferred method of payment</a>. Online retailers are particularly troubled by consumers shying away from their credit cards, and according to the founder of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Howard Dvorkin, "With credit cards, consumers spend 30 percent more (on purchases) than with cash." </p> <p>Americans have usually gone back to ol' reliable cash when the economy is troubled, like after the Sept. 11 attacks. Dvorkin thinks consumers will return to their credit-spending ways when the economy gets on its feet, saying, "It's hard to to teach an old dog new tricks. Consumers have short memories. When the economy turns around, they'll return to the same old ways." </p> <p>Do you think consumers will learn their lesson this time around, or will most resume reliance on credit cards when the economy turns around? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2398783#comment cash consumerism news shopping Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:00:51 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2398783 http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/72cd76589261da09_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="360" width="270"></span>Having a shopping partner can sometimes make an excursion more enjoyable, but most of us know this isn't always true. A girlfriend described a recent experience she had shopping with her extremely wealthy aunt, which started out as a girls' day at Bergdorf's and ended in a lot of money spent. Her aunt tried on clothes for two hours and spent $10,000 with one swipe of her card, and then she told my friend it was time to shop for her. Find out what happened when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802#comment consumerism shopping Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:09 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802 http://www.savvysugar.com/2378648 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2378648"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2378648',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2378648');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/589cce84fec5f866_bargain.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="213"></span>During a recent trip to New York, I couldn't help but notice the number of personal sidewalk "garage" sales that were going on. And most were packed with enthusiastic shoppers! The garage sale scene isn't as hot here in San Francisco, as far as I know, but they can be fun for bargain hunting and I'd explore more if they existed. Do you shop garage sales?</p> <p><br clear=all> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a> </p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2378648" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Your Two Cents: Do You Go to Garage Sales?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I stop by garage sales when they're convenient.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I've only been to a couple, but would go more if they existed.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't go to garage sales.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2378648" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2378648#comment poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:30:15 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2378648 http://www.savvysugar.com/2370195 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2370195"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2370195',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2370195');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/layaway.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="375" width="250"></span>Walmart is among the <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752/" >retailers that have started showing</a> their holiday spirit and, surprisingly, the chain's recent commercials advertise the option to buy gifts on layaway. The retailer <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/14/news/companies/walmart_layaway/index.htm/" target="_blank">retired layaway in 2006</a> and has brought it back this holiday season to entice consumers that are more likely to spend if they have this option. </p> <p>Layaway became less popular when people began relying on credit cards, but now that so many Americans are in credit trouble Walmart has reverted to its old policies to keep consumers spending in its stores. Have you ever used layaway? </p> <p><br clear=all> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2370195" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Have You Ever Bought Something on Layaway?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I've used layaway before.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I haven't used it but I'd consider it.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I've never used layaway.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2370195" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2370195#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:00:22 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2370195 http://www.savvysugar.com/2358112 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2358112"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2358112',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2358112');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/sale.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="300" width="300"></span>When we have the urge to update our wardrobes, window shopping sometimes just doesn't cut it. Sales offer a way for us to buy without paying full price and that makes us feel great because we've gotten a deal, but only shopping sales limits our choices and we may be left wanting for something that makes us more excited than the sale rack offerings. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2358112" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Only Shop Sales?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I generally limit my shopping to sales.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No, I shop sales and non-sale racks equally.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2358112" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2358112#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:30:57 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2358112 http://www.savvysugar.com/2338511 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/dry-cleaning.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="242" width="300"></span>The economic turmoil has produced some unexpected bedfellows, and the newest of these partnerships is between freshly scented laundry detergent and a well-known retail brand. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/10/business/media/10adco.html/" target="_blank">Procter &amp; Gamble has partnered with Ann Taylor Loft</a> to launch its Tide Total Care and Downy Total Care detergents. Upon purchase of machine washable clothes, the stores will dispense samples and coupons for the detergents, which claim to help clothes looking new for up to 30 washes.</p> <p>Proctor &amp; Gamble is confident its two detergents will help cut down on dry cleaning costs, which can become pricey over the course of one year. Kash Shaikh of Proctor &amp; Gamble explained, “Women spend $1,500 a year on dry cleaning, and 65 percent of those clothes are actually machine washable.” A partnership between a consumer packaged goods company and a fashion retailer is atypical, but these are not typical times. Robert Luzzi, Chief marketing officer for Ann Taylor states, “The economy is fairly tough right now, and we want to deliver value for our clients."</p> <p>How much do you usually spend on dry cleaning? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2338511#comment advertising consumerism economy news shopping Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:00:09 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2338511 http://www.savvysugar.com/2120085 <p>Convenience items like canned soup and frozen meals were the focus of millions of advertising dollars spent trying to portray the products as premium compared to fast food, but new campaigns show that certain brands now want consumers to <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122264268066983843.html" target="_blank">see their products as value choices</a>. Campbell's has particularly taken a renewed interest in value marketing, and has gone so far as dubbing its line of five condensed soups "the original dollar menu." </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/soup.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="279" width="550"></span></p> <p>Look for other Campbell's soup ads paired with Kraft Singles cheese, calling grilled cheese and tomato soup the "wallet-friendly meal your family will love." Food marketers know that popularity of these items can pay off by increasing profit margins, because the products don't cost much to produce. These big brands can't help but notice the boost in sales of store-brand items, and these new value-focused ads are meant to help the big names stay competitive. Even the milk industry is feeling the pinch and has signed Suze Orman as the face of its new campaign that claims, "Even at today's prices, a glass of milk only costs about a quarter . . . " </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2120085#comment advertising consumerism food groceries shopping Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:40 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2120085 http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2063752"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2063752',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2063752');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/39_2008/holiday.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="300" width="300"></span>Many of you have already <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858/" >started shopping for holiday gifts</a> or plan on starting to make a dent in your list sometime soon, and the appearance of holiday displays in stores serves as a not-so-subtle reminder to get cracking. Summer is barely behind us and the holidays are still months away, but is it acceptable for stores to have started decorating with their empty, gift-wrapped boxes? </p> <p><br clear=all></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2063752" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Is It Too Early For Stores to Advertise the Holidays?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, it's too early. Let's get through Halloween first! </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I don't like the early advertising tactics, but I understand why they've started.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, it's not too early to begin advertising for the holidays.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2063752" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752#comment advertising consumerism holiday poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:11 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752 http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2037149"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2037149',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2037149');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/cans.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="303" width="300"></span>Locking in the sale price for future use can be a great way to save on groceries. For those of you that have kitchen space to spare, do you stock up on non-perishables and frozen or freezable items when they are on sale? </p> <p><br clear=all> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2037149" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Stock Up When Something Is on Sale?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I stock up on things I know I'll use when they're on sale.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I would do this if I had the storage space.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't stock up on any food items. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2037149" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149#comment consumerism food poll saving Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:00:19 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149 http://www.savvysugar.com/2032299 <p>Linens 'n Things <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1598753/" >filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy</a> protection back in May 2008, and after enduring an unkind Summer it looks like the chain must finally face its fate. It's predicted that the company will liquidate just in time for the holidays. Bad times for Linens 'n Things, but if you've been needing a new coffee grinder or only have two wine glasses in tact from your original set of eight, consider holding off on your purchases for a couple more months.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/linens.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center outline preview" height="333" width="500"></span></p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/09172008/business/its_curtains_for_linens_129486.htm/" target="_blank"><b>The New York Post</b>, the end of Linens 'n Things</a> is near and there's a good chance that we'll see going-out-of-business clearances in November and December. The company's creditors are getting antsy to see a chainwide liquidation as they watch sales continuously slide and losses steepen. Linens 'n Things may start taking liquidation bids in a matter of weeks, so stay tuned to see if your local chain is headed out-of-business. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2032299#comment bankruptcy holiday Linens 'n Things shopping Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:48 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2032299 http://www.savvysugar.com/2033151 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2033151"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2033151',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2033151');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>According to new poll results from Reuters, this year's holiday season may not mean breaking budgets in the spirit of giving. In fact, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN1641434720080917/" target="_blank">more than 44 percent of people</a> surveyed plan on spending slightly less or a lot less on gifts compared to what they spent last year. Are you planning on paring back your holiday shopping budget this year? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="353" width="530"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2033151" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Will You Be Reducing Your Holiday Shopping Budget? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I plan on spending much less than last year. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I plan on spending a little less than last year. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I'll probably spend about the same as last year. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> I plan on spending more than I did last year.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2033151" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2033151#comment budget consumerism holiday poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:30:29 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2033151 http://www.savvysugar.com/2007396 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/jeans.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="376" width="250"></span>The October issue of <a href="http://www.glamour.com/" target="_blank">Glamour</a> arrived in my mailbox and filled me with glee, and I appreciate its effort in publishing an article called "25 Ways to Live Rich on Less Money." Most of the tips were just reminders of things we can do to save, like searching online for coupons before buying something for its retail price, but there was one tip that stood out to me as being more than a simple memory aide. I've used this trick myself a few times and it has worked like a charm every time.</p> <blockquote><p>I go to department stores and try on all the designer jeans to see what size I am. Then I find those same jeans on eBay and buy them for less. I save hundreds of dollars.</p></blockquote> <p>Sure, it doesn't exactly give you the instant gratification that leads to that shopping high, but it does give you the thrill of getting something for less. Have you used this tactic for saving, or would you use it going forward? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a> </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2007396#comment shopping tip Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:30:32 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2007396 http://www.savvysugar.com/2015087 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2015087"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2015087',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2015087');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>It's good to double check a store's return policy before making a purchase, especially if it's somewhere that you don't normally shop. Some places will offer store credit only or store credit after two weeks — not exactly ideal if you see something you like better at another store. Do you ask about return policy when you're shopping? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="475" width="475"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2015087" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Ask About Return Policy Before Buying Something?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I typically ask about return policy.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes I ask, but only if I'm questioning whether or not I really want the item.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I usually don't ask about return policy.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2015087" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2015087#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:00:18 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2015087 http://www.savvysugar.com/1984210 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/change.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline preview" height="300" width="300"></span>Small or large, most of us have spending weaknesses — in fact, if you have none, I seriously commend you for your ability to resist temptation. I know which items make you weak in the knees and <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1521774/" >may drive you to splurge</a>, but like our friend (I wish!) Warren Buffett says, we should keep an eye on the <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1964490/" >small expenses that can add up</a>. </p> <p>Do you have any small spending weaknesses, like always buying snacks on the go or buying items conveniently positioned at a store's counter when you're about to pay? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1984210#comment consumerism I'm Asking shopping spending Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:00:44 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1984210 http://www.savvysugar.com/1971664 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1971664"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1971664',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1971664');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/thrift.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="300" width="300"></span>Thrift stores are reporting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/business/10thrift.html/" target="_blank">an increase in same-store sales</a> for 2008, but they are concerned that the slowdown in donations will leave them without enough Winter stock. George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for the Salvation Army, explained, “Young women are looking in their closet and saying, ‘You know, I’m going to wear that a little longer instead of giving it away.'"</p> <p>Does his comment describe your recent thought process, and have you been contributing to the boost in thrift sales this year? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1971664" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Have You Been Donating Less or Buying More Thrift?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I've been donating less than usual and keeping my clothes longer.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I've been mixing in more thrift purchases lately.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I'm doing a little of both — donating less and buying more thrift.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> No, I'm not doing either of these things.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1971664" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1971664#comment economy poll saving Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:00:20 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1971664 http://www.savvysugar.com/1965720 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/992_250x250.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="250" width="250"></span>The last ten years or so hosted a period of mall mania, but store closings during the past year have <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122100092574816923.html" target="_blank">left malls with large, vacant retail spaces</a>. Overbuilding was contagious in shopping centers throughout the country, not unlike certain areas of the US that overshot demand for new housing developments. The glut of open retail space is expected to linger for years to come. </p> <p>Perhaps, then, it is unsurprising that the bankruptcy rate for major retailers has been <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0809/gallery.kimes_retailbad.fortune/index.html/" target="_blank">double this year compared to 2007</a>. A total of 15 retailers filed for bankruptcy in 2008, including iconic Mrs. Fields. I can't think of a mall without smelling those chocolatey, chain-prepared baked goods, so it makes sense that the struggle of Mrs. Fields comes at a time when malls are not feeling the love from consumers. </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1965720#comment bankruptcy consumerism economy news real estate shopping Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00:17 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1965720 http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/shopper.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400" width="266"></span>Besides calculating the cost <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157/" >in terms of hourly compensation</a> to judge whether or not a particular item is worth your time and money, there are some other things to keep in mind. Here are four questions to ask yourself when you're staring in the dressing-room mirror or gaggling over a gadget. </p> <ol> <li><b>Do I love it?</b> Make a list of your own mental must haves. Ask yourself if the item you're eyeing deserves a spot on that list.</li> <li><b>How often would I wear or use it?</b> <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411/" >Cost-per-use</a> is a good way to break down how valuable the item will be to you.</li> <li><b>Can I afford it?</b> Do you have expenses coming up and are you concerned about being able to make payments? Consider your spending priorities. <li><b>Could I find it cheaper somewhere else?</b> If yes, it might be worth your time to search for that better deal.</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670#comment shopping spending tip Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:00:15 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670 http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1942858"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1942858',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1942858');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/gift_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="313" width="313"></span>I don't know about you, but holiday themed catalogs have already begun making their way into my mailbox. The end of Summer is a fair-game signal for retailers to begin their campaigns to get shoppers in the holiday spirit. </p> <p>Back in June I reminded you to <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1734590/" >start saving for the holidays</a>; will you be taking any of those savings to begin holiday shopping soon, or have you already started? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1942858" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>How Early Do You Shop For the Holidays?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I've already been looking for holiday gifts.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I'll start holiday shopping very soon. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I'm a last minute shopper. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1942858" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858#comment consumerism holiday poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:30:09 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858 http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/tip.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="277" width="300"></span>As much as we all promise ourselves that we'll only buy things we absolutely cannot live without, sometimes in the heat of the shopping moment that mentality is substituted by one of like not love. I know there are some items in my wardrobe that fall in the camp of wish-I-never-bought-it, and perhaps that remorse could have been prevented by using this logic. </p> <p>Salaries are tricky in getting us to think about our income in yearly or by-paycheck terms, but it may pay off to break down your salary (after taxes) in terms of hourly compensation. When you're holding up a cool sweater that you don't necessarily need, look at the price tag and compare it to the number of hours you worked to earn that sum. So, if you're eying a $150 sweater and earn the equivalent of $30 an hour, ask yourself if it's worth five hours of work. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157#comment salary shopping spending tip Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:00:05 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157 http://www.savvysugar.com/1909648 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/retail.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="310" width="227"></span>Stress often leads to poor money decisions that can create even more stressful situations than we had before. Using retail therapy to soothe our bad day or bad luck can instigate a downward spending spiral, but <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB122020712953286661.html" target="_blank"><b>The Wall Street Journal</b> has some pointers</a> for keeping us above water when the itch to spend can't be scratched. </p> <ul> <li>Ask yourself why you have the urge to spend money and focus on solving those problems first.</li> <li>Avoid the rationalization that overspending for work attire is necessary. Digging yourself in to debt will create bigger problems later, so figure out what you can realistically afford and go shopping for the best deal.</li> <li>Plan for your bigger purchases by saving a certain amount each week until you have enough.</li> <li>Scale down pick-me-ups by going for smaller, more inexpensive purchases or skip the shopping and grab coffee with friends.</li> <li>Keep track of your day-to-day finances to establish a sense of control, and planning for purchases will become a more natural habit.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1909648#comment consumerism retail therapy shopping Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:30:27 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1909648 http://www.savvysugar.com/1899706 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1899706"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1899706',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1899706');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/labor-day-shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="400" width="267"></span>Stores are doing their best to motivate shoppers to spend their hard-earned money over the long Labor Day weekend which is, a bit ironically, in recognition of hard-working Americans. </p> <p>The National Retail Federation has projected that some retail categories will have stronger sales figures than this time last year, thanks in part <a href="http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/2008/08/28/stores-tempt-shoppers-with-labor-day-sales.html/" target="_blank">to the higher-than-usual discounts</a> some stores are using as bait. Are there any particular store sales you plan to check out, or will you be holding onto your moolah this weekend? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1899706" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Your Two Cents: Will You Be Shopping Labor Day Sales? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I'm planning on shopping for some things I need (or want!).</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Maybe, I haven't decided if I'll shop the sales yet.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I'm staying away from shopping this weekend.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1899706" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1899706#comment consumerism Labor Day poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:00:11 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1899706 http://www.savvysugar.com/1865217 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/50328599.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="412" width="300"></span>Some of you are lucky enough to enjoy sales tax-free lives on a daily basis, but for many of us sales tax can add a significant amount to purchases. Several states have smartly introduced designated days for shopping sales tax-free (<a href="http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales_holiday.html" target="_blank">sales tax holidays</a>) before the end of 2008, encouraging their residents to get out and shop already. </p> <p>Some states' holidays coincide with the back-to-school buying bonanza, others are holding out for holiday shopping season, in the spirit of giving, of course, and some are trying to get residents excited about energy efficient products. </p> <p>Some of the sales tax holidays have already come and gone but there are still a few in the pipeline. See which seven states can look forward to some tax-free shopping (a few dates are just around the corner) and which items are included when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1865217">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1865217#comment shopping taxes Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:30:21 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1865217 http://www.savvysugar.com/1863255 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/200287787-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="396"></span>Depending on the type of business, customer service can be a big part of your shopping experience. Whether or not you're actually offered service, if the staff has a way of lurking around you, or if they're overly attentive can weigh on your impression of a store. </p> <p>I'm likely to skip out on returning to a restaurant if the service was rude, but customer service at stores hasn't kept me away or driven me to revisit. Have you stayed away from a business or become a loyal customer because of the service? </p> <p><br clear=all><br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1863255#comment customer service I'm Asking shopping Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:25 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1863255 http://www.savvysugar.com/1851820 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/dv1291038.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview"width="317"></span>Out of the <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/life/2008/08/twelve-tips-for.html" target="_blank">12 tips Real Simple recommends</a> for spending less, the most innovative is their tip for how to organize your shopping trips. They cleverly suggest that when you're shopping with the purpose of buying something that will inevitably be expensive (like a computer), you should select the smaller items first (like the software and other accessories). </p> <p>The rationale is that after we buy something pricey, we're more likely to mindlessly buy more items that we don't need, because in comparison the amount seems insignificant. It reminds me of a common comment from those undergoing home renovations: Once you've spent thousands on new cabinets, it becomes difficult to evaluate the cost of things like knobs. </p> <p>Because I'm not buying a new computer any time soon, I'll keep this money tip in mind the next time I'm shopping for things like a new coat or boots and underwear at the same time. Lingerie section, first! </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1851820#comment money shopping tip Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:30:22 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1851820 http://www.savvysugar.com/1848162 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1848162"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1848162',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1848162');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/credit-card.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline center preview" height="342" width="535"></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1848162" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Have Any Store-Specific Credit Cards? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I have at least one store credit card. I'll tell you which store in my comment below!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't have any store-specific cards in my wallet.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I used to have one, but got rid of it. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1848162" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1848162#comment consumerism credit card poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:55 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1848162 http://www.savvysugar.com/1846443 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/73393168.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="444" width="300"></span>Whole Foods received a warm welcome when it entered the grocery scene, with its emphasis on organic and high-end goods, but the tough economy's effect on the chain's performance has caused it to rethink some of its strategies. Namely, the pricing that earned it the not-so-endearing nickname <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1704261/" >Whole Paycheck</a>. </p> <p>Bargains are hardly synonymous with the store's image, but it's thinking hard about how to change that. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/02/business/02food.html/" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> calls Whole Foods's efforts to offer discounts and lower-priced store brands a sign of the times, and the company's co-president Walter Robb is confident they can be competitive. He told the <b>Times</b>, "I’m getting a little tired of that tag around our neck. We are a lot more competitive than people give us credit for. We challenge anyone on like items."</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/NYT.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center outline preview" height="174" width="550"></span></p> <p>I appreciate the store's efforts to focus more on value, but it will take a lot for the company to change its image in the eyes of a public who has become accustomed to the store's reputation. I'll certainly be taking advantage of the newly introduced Value Tours led by store employees — will you do the same? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1846443#comment business consumerism economy food news shopping Whole Foods Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:20:29 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1846443 http://www.savvysugar.com/1843273 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/81579660.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="423"></span>To understand what's happening with the dollar right now, you need only walk around the shopping centers of cities like New York and San Francisco. At first glance you'd think that Americans were busy blowing their dollars on whatever they please, but given a closer listen, you'll find these shoppers aren't American at all — they're European. </p> <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/fashion/03tourists.html?pagewanted=1&amp;_r=1/" target="_blank"><b>The New York Times</b> examined</a> the reactions of some Manhattanites who have come down with a collective case of Euro-envy this Summer, as they jealously watch European shoppers have at the city. The dollar's weakness compared to some currencies abroad has allowed travelers earning even modest incomes to enjoy all New York has to offer. </p> <p>One 30-year-old New Yorker explained his feelings about his purchasing power: "It’s Psych 101 — jealousy. I’m jealous that I can’t go to Italy and buy 12 Prada bags, but they can come here and buy 18 of them." Another woman said her European friends visit New York and treat it like it's Candyland. While some New Yorkers are apparently a little bitter, all of the international traffic can only be good for the economy and for business owners who are able to profit. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1843273#comment consumerism currency dollar news shopping Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:04:33 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1843273 http://www.savvysugar.com/1823607 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/31_2008/carlipbig.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="300"></span>Los Angeles-based performance artist Hillary Carlip believes our shopping lists are like mirrors to our personalities and style. </p> <p><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93022254" target="_blank">NPR featured an entertaining profile</a> of Hillary, who has dedicated her life to searching for and decoding shopping lists she finds around town, and then turning them into characters. </p> <p>Hillary began collecting lists when she was 15 and found a list for Twizzlers, peanut brittle, and gum on the back of a dental appointment reminder card in NYC. She started off her interpretations as an on-stage act (she would dress as the different characters and recite what was on the list), but recently decided to turn them into a book — <a href="http://www.alacartthebook.com/" target="_blank">A la Cart: The Secret Lives of Grocery Shoppers</a>. </p> <p>The book features Hillary's 26 favorite shopping lists and the characters she's created to go along with them (the book cover is a collection of photos of Hillary in costume and makeup). Do you think a stranger could accurately depict you based on your grocery list?</p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1823607#comment A la Cart: The Secret Lives of Grocery Shoppers groceries Hillary Carlip I'm Asking money book shopping Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:00:27 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1823607 http://www.savvysugar.com/1819588 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1819588"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1819588',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1819588');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/31_2008/stk32817bsr.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="400"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1819588" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Spend More When You Shop On an Empty Stomach?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes! I've noticed I spend more when I'm hungry. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Hunger only makes me spend more when I'm grocery shopping.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't spend more when I shop on an empty stomach.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1819588" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1819588#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:30:52 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1819588 http://www.savvysugar.com/1816970 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1816970"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1816970',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1816970');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/catalog.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="389" width="300"></span>In her <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/business/yourmoney/26cost.html/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York Times column</a> "A Conflict That Came in the Mail," writer M.P. Dunleavey divulges a recent incident with her husband. She thought their financial communication was healthy until she made a small discovery: "My happy little financial harmony bubble went pop the other day, however, when my husband acknowledged that for the last couple of months, when he picked up our mail, he had been chucking all my catalogs in the trash."</p> <p>Her husband looked at catalogs as unnecessary evils and attempted to remove temptation. In the end, however, Dunleavey got her way and started getting her catalogs again.</p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1816970" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Would You Be Angry If Your Husband Trashed Your Catalogs? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I'd be angry that he was trying to control things.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I wouldn't be happy about it, but no catalogs would probably be for the best. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, it seems like a small issue and I wouldn't be angry about it.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1816970" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1816970#comment love and money poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:32:27 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1816970 http://www.savvysugar.com/1811472 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/stk20327wne.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="300"></span>Preparing for a purchase by comparison shopping before we get into the store is ideal — but let's face it, there are times when laziness ensues and we find ourselves staring at three items that on the surface appear to be identical. Most of us are inclined to pick the one with the mid-ranged price rather than veer to the high and low extremes. Thus, as shoppers we often have extremeness aversion when we're comparison shopping in the moment. </p> <p>Depending on what it is you're looking to purchase (a bottle of wine vs. a microwave) there's one tip for suppressing this aversion aside from researching ahead of time. Rather than focus on price as the sole component, decide which features you must have and select the item that fits your price range with the most characteristics that match your ideal. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1811472#comment consumerism Savvy Vocab shopping Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:29:16 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1811472 http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1811411"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1811411',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1811411');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/stk318535rkn.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="330" width="350"></span>The other day <a href="http://www.gigglesugar.com/" rel="nofollow">GiggleSugar</a> told me that when she's considering purchasing something that's on the pricey side, she thinks about how much wear or use she'll get out of it versus a cheaper version. If a more expensive item is significantly better in quality, the cost-per-use can be more economical in the long term. </p> <p>I definitely use that rationale when I'm deciding whether or not an item will make it up to the register with me. I'm sure those calculations are sometimes inaccurately skewed if my heart is set on an item, but in general I think keeping this in mind can be helpful and especially when selecting classic or trendy items. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1811411" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Rationalize Purchases by Calculating Cost-Per-Use?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I often consider cost-per-use when shopping.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes, but I'm not sure it actually pays off.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't consider cost-per-use when I'm considering a purchase.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1811411" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:30:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411 http://www.savvysugar.com/1805759 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/stk325086rkn.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="396"></span>Buyer's remorse sets in when we second (and third, and fourth) guess ourselves after making a purchase that usually falls more in the want than the need category. Sometimes it leads us to dragging ourselves back to the store and returning the item, and other times we simply get past the feeling with some clever rationalization. Can you remember the last thing you purchased that made you kick yourself with buyer's remorse? </p> <p><br clear=all><br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1805759#comment buyer's remorse consumerism I'm Asking shopping Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:08:48 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1805759 http://www.savvysugar.com/1802858 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1802858"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1802858',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1802858');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/200314339-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="350" width="342"></span>It takes only one look at <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/business/19shop.html?pagewanted=1&amp;_r=1&amp;adxnnlx=1216498786-OMS8T%20BgG2dgjYR87JsQpQ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the double-digit increases</a> in online sales for companies like Gap, Victoria's Secret, and J.C. Penney to know that more shoppers are going online than out to stores. Online retailers know that most customers are innately adverse to shipping costs, and have been able to capitalize on that knowledge by offering free shipping when the total purchase reached a certain dollar amount. </p> <p>Now that $4 gas is old news and $5 per gallon is expected, I'm wondering if we'll see less of these shipping offers as customers continue to weigh the cost of shipping against the price of gas. Sure, we'd all love a little free shipping, but would you rather pay those extra fees than hop in the car? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1802858" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Would You Rather Pay For Shipping Than Drive to the Mall?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, shipping costs are usually more reasonable than the cost of driving to the mall.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Maybe, but sometimes the cost of gas is worth shopping in actual stores.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I still would rather drive to the mall than pay for shipping.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1802858" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1802858#comment consumerism gas poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:31:53 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1802858 http://www.savvysugar.com/1705288 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1705288"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1705288',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1705288');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/24_2008/NUP_109687_0039.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="350"></span>Whether we <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1682593" rel="nofollow">like the stereotype or not</a> shopping is a pretty common pastime for some women.</p> <p>I always think it's nice to have someone nearby to help you second guess your purchases, but my best friend often complains she buys more when she's shopping with a friend. Maybe it's the compliments, or maybe it's that window-shopping feels silly when you are with another person, but if you're not careful, you can end up <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1500380" rel="nofollow">battling buyer's remorse</a>. </p> <p>Do you spend more when you shop with friends or do you stay strong to your budget and what you set out to buy (or not buy)?</p> <p>Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.nbc.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NBC</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1705288" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Spend More When You Shop With Friends? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes — I've been known to spend more when I'm with friends. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No — I usually stick to my budget no matter who I am with. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comment below! </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1705288" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1705288#comment