Dec 20 2007
How to Avoid the Holiday Headaches
Smart Shopping Can Help to Reduce the Strain Of The Season
(ARA) - For many, the holiday season has become more about the mad-dash to a frenzied mall to find the elusive perfect gift than spending time with family and friends. Crowds, crying children, hectic schedules and lofty goals all lead to holiday stress that leave many shoppers literally sick. Consumers can reduce stress this holiday season by following these simple shopping suggestions.
It Pays to Be an Early Bird
Planning ahead can often alleviate anxieties relating to any number of holiday stressers. Setting aside specific days for shopping, baking, decorating and visiting friends can free-up schedules for much-needed personal time. By starting holiday shopping early, consumers can monitor retailers’ sales instead of waiting for “Black Friday” when competition for best prices among fellow shoppers is fierce.
Good Gift-giving Takes Homework
Finding the perfect present is often as easy as doing your research before hitting the stores. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that nearly half (47.1 percent) of consumers shop online, a number that has grown significantly in recent years. Visiting retail Web sites prior to shopping can help prepare consumers for future purchases.
“Many online Web sites have valuable product information to help buyers select the right present for the right person,” says Michael Hebreard, global brand manager for Harley-Davidson Footwear at Wolverine World Wide, Inc. “By featuring key styles, product information and dealer locations online, we are able to help shoppers do their research ahead of time.”
Additionally, many Web sites will also offer gift-wrapping and guaranteed delivery before the holiday.
Ditch the Crowds, Find a Destination
According to the NRF, nearly 48.4 percent of holiday shoppers will visit specialty stores to find their holiday gifts this year. Often times skipping the crowds at the mall can leave you more time to explore stores you may not have even considered for the perfect gift destination.
“Each year we see more and more shoppers visiting Harley-Davidson dealerships looking for gifts for family and friends,” says A.T. Payne, vice president and general manager for Harley-Davidson Footwear at Wolverine World Wide, Inc. “The dealerships have become one-stop shops for the Harley-Davidson enthusiast, and have selections ranging from bikes to footwear to gift wrap and everything in between.”
By stepping outside of the traditional mall, shoppers can find destination and specialty shops that have everything from boots to bows.
Take Care of Yourself
Staying healthy is the best present you can give yourself this holiday season. Flu season can start as early as October and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population will contract the flu each year. In between all the holiday preparations and shopping excursions, remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, taking a multivitamin and getting enough sleep.
By planning ahead, taking care of yourself, and thinking outside of the box when it comes to holiday shopping this year, shoppers can enjoy the ultimate gift of a season filled with a little less stress.
For additional gift ideas, visit Harley-Davidson Footwear’s Web site at www.stepintoalegend.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent