The Facets Magazine

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Posts tagged shopping

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Retail stores’ bags, signs and labels are specific colors for a reason. Researchers suggest your subconscious responds to certain colors differently, which can affect your spending. Black is the color of sophistication. Blue is a color that most people like, which is why it’s the most commonly used. It symbolizes trust and is a color most financial institutions end up using. Ever wonder why McDonald’s golden arches work so well? Yellow evokes energy and increases appetite, which is why you might be drawn to the fast-food chain.

Retail stores’ bags, signs and labels are specific colors for a reason. Researchers suggest your subconscious responds to certain colors differently, which can affect your spending.

Black is the color of sophistication. Blue is a color that most people like, which is why it’s the most commonly used. It symbolizes trust and is a color most financial institutions end up using.

Ever wonder why McDonald’s golden arches work so well? Yellow evokes energy and increases appetite, which is why you might be drawn to the fast-food chain.

Filed under shopping colors spending meaning research habits psychology analysis color trends

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Click, buy, repeat.

Jessica Deming here, Facets contributor and admitted hater of shopping in stores. Whether it’s at the grocery store or the mall, I can’t stand the crowds, the smells and the glacially slow pace. Yet, I love buying things. So I reconcile this love/hate relationship by shopping online. Check out these three tips and reminders so you, too, can shop online without stress or slow cashiers.

  1. My first stop is always Amazon. Though it typically doesn’t support promo codes, its prices are difficult to beat, shipping is free when you spend $25 or more and you can buy virtually anything. Amazon also has the ‘Subscribe and Save’ option that allows you to buy in bulk and get 15 percent off plus free shipping on things like paper towels, dry food items and dish soap. Every X number of months, your shipment arrives without any fuss.
  2. Most standing stores have accompanying websites so you can buy online and pick up in-store, plus several bonus online-only items. At Wal-Mart, I can shop online and have it shipped to a local store, or have it sent to my house via FedEx for free (or a nominal shipping rate—heavier items excluded). Target, Gap and other clothing stores typically offer free shipping if you spend over a certain amount ($50 is standard). If you hesitate to purchase clothes or shoes without trying them on, remember most stores offer free exchanges if you need a different size, and you can always return items to the store if that’s more convenient. Visit Retail Me Not and Dealnews to find promo codes for 10-30 percent off and free shipping on thousands of websites.
  3. I always check the deal-a-day sites for 10-75 percent savings on limited time only items. Brad’s Deals rounds up the specials from some of the top deal sites, and highlights specialty items like that Kate Spade wallet you’ve been eyeing, marked down 50 percent today only. 1SaleADay has multiple items at incredible discounts, whereas Woot does one item each day. And for jewelry discounts, try Szul, DiamondShark and Shadora.

If you, too, are a shopping enigma, hopefully you’ll find this helpful. If you think I’m crazy and love going to stores, you can always find something you love in person and buy it online for less. Enough blogging for now—I’ve got an online sample sale to check out!

Filed under shopping staff post

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Have you ever felt the thrill of the hunt? We’re talking thrifting, one of our favorite hobbies.  In an article in our fall issue, we’ll give you tips on the best places to go and the best things to look for. Stay tuned next week!

Have you ever felt the thrill of the hunt? We’re talking thrifting, one of our favorite hobbies. 

In an article in our fall issue, we’ll give you tips on the best places to go and the best things to look for. Stay tuned next week!

Filed under October/November issue trifting shopping