13 Things Your Mall Salesperson Won’t Tell You

Reader's Digest CanadaUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

For boxing day or your last rush of Christmas shopping, discover the sneaky, smart ways you can save money shopping at your favourite mall.

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1. If Your Cart Hits a Bump, Proceed Carefully.

Some retailers are adding raised floor tiles and carpet to certain areas because they make you walk more slowly, giving you extra time to check out the goods. Studies show it can boost your spending by up to eight per cent.

(Photo: Digital Vision/Thinkstock)

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2. A Cart Isn’t Always Your Friend

If you can, skip the shopping cart altogether, or at least carry a smaller basket. Studies show that you buy up to 40 per cent more if we double the size of your cart, because you subconsciously want to fill it.

(Photo: Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Thinkstock)

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3. Don’t Rush to Go Pay at the Counter

When you find what you’re looking for, check a price-comparison site like Shopbot or Price Grabber on your smartphone to see if the same item is cheaper somewhere else.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

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4. We Often Have Better Deals on Weekdays

Remember this, because it’s true all year round. Between Monday and Friday is when new merchandise comes, so we do markdowns then. Plus, foot traffic is slow and we’re trying to bring people into the store.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

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5. Consider Kiosks Deals Carefully

If something sold at a mall kiosk catches your eye, remember this: Kiosks pay the highest rent per square foot, so chances are you’re not getting a bargain.

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6. A Prime Location Doesn’t Always Mean Savings

Just because a product is at the end of an aisle with a big, bold price tag doesn’t mean it’s on sale. Manufacturers pay for the privilege of being there.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

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7. Please Don’t Shop Alone

We love to see you come in with your friend or husband. When you have company, you always buy more.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

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8. Don’t Be Surprised by Bad Customer Service

Most retailers barely train their workers, pay them close to minimum wage, and ask them to do everything from cleaning toilets to unloading merchandise. The average length of employment: 90 days.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

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9. Avoid Register Displays

We call them “impulse towers” for good reason.

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10. Clearance Areas are Carefully Designed

We want you to feel like you’re on a treasure hunt. There are some amazing buys. But we also know that after searching the racks for 20 minutes, you’ll likely decide something is a treasure even if it isn’t.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

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11. Keep Your Receipt

After you buy something, pay attention. If the price drops within a certain number of days, many of us will refund the difference.

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12. Want to Avoid the Mall?

It’s tough this close to Christmas, but you can still order online. Just don’t be surprised when you pay a lot more for shipping on such short notice.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

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13. Waiting a Few Minutes Could Save You Money

When you’re ordering online, especially if you’re shopping for jewelry, here’s a tip for just before you hit “place your order”: Cancel it. Some retailers will send you a person email a few minutes later offering a 10 or 15 percent discount if you go back and make the purchase.

(Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Thinkstock)

Originally Published: December 20, 2012