Remember the days when if you needed to buy something, your only options were to go to a store or maybe place a mail order (I’m clearly dating myself)? With the ever-changing shopping landscape, the way we shop shifts a little bit every year. These days, there are so many ways to shop, from browsing the aisles of a traditional brick-and-mortar to clicking “shop” on our favorite social channels. And as shopping on social media grows, savvy shoppers are looking for ways to save.
Shoppers are looking for ways to save
As our shopping changes and evolves, we are becoming increasingly promotional. A recent Bread Financial poll found that three-quarters of shoppers (76 percent) will be seeking deals, attending sales events, and shopping around for holiday purchases, up from 69 percent last year. What this means is that people are becoming accustomed to seeking out savings opportunities wherever they shop.
The benefits of social shopping
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have built-in shopping features, which can be a fun way to discover new products and score deals that are exclusive to the social media platform. You can do this by browsing social ads, engaging with posts with shopping tags, and checking out live shopping events from brands and influencers.
The influence of influencers
Influencers can provide an experiential view of, say, how a pair of jeans fit or how a piece of home decor looks in a living space. Influencers also often share exclusive discounts when you purchase through their link.
One thing to remember is that influencers are either paid to promote a product, earn commission from your sale, or both, so their opinions may not be objective.
Save money when you shop
Retailers will post flash sales on timely merchandise and host contests and giveaways. You can also learn about savings opportunities from your favorite influencers, like sales on new or lesser-known brands.
Something else that is great about social media is that you can learn about activities in your community. Perhaps there’s an estate sale or clothing swap nearby, or your favorite secondhand store may post about new inventory. Scanning social media can be a great way to discover budget-friendly offerings.
The downside of social shopping
Platforms like IG and TikTok make it so easy to click and buy, which can lead to impulse shopping and not getting the best deal. And the problem with impulse shopping is not only that it’s bad for your wallet, but that we don’t take the time to research a product.
