Shop Smarter in the New Year With These Tips

(StatePoint) For many people, the start of a new year is an opportunity to revamp their routine and make game-changing resolutions. That's why industry experts are offering smart shopping tips that will have you saving time, money and hassle in 2024.

According to Christa Anz, director of Sensormatic Solutions North America Marketing, the global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls, it all starts in January.

"Outside of the holiday season, there isn't a better time to shop than the start of a new year," says Anz. "Research shows gift cards continue to grow in popularity, so even after the gift-giving season is over, consumers are treating themselves and will be popping into stores reenergized. After the holiday rush, shoppers can rediscover the fun of browsing stores for anything they didn't receive from their wish lists."

As Anz also points out, shopping at the start of the year isn't just fun, it's also cost-effective, as retailers are likely to plan promotions to help sell excess inventory, making it a good time to stock up on essentials and other items.

To shop smarter in January and all year long, Sensormatic Solutions is offering these tips based on their insider retailer predictions and data.

• Make post-holiday returns strategically: Though November and December are the busiest months of the year for shopping, January has a monopoly on returns. With many shoppers still utilizing "buy online, pick up in-store" (BOPIS) options, the number of people looking to return or exchange goods may be higher than you expect. If you need to make returns or exchange items during this period, you can streamline the process by reviewing return policies before heading to the store and arriving earlier in the day to avoid long lines or delays.

• Make time: Retailers will continue to implement loss prevention and security measures to combat rising organized retail crime rates. This extends to essential items, such as toothpaste, deodorant and razors. Factor extra time into shopping trips as you may need to wait for associate assistance to retrieve these items from locked display cases.

• Enjoy peace of mind: Preferred by many for shopping during the pandemic, options like BOPIS will continue to grow in popularity as consumers enjoy its convenience and speed. Use such options to your advantage to secure deals via apps or websites and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the items you need will be there when you arrive.

• Interact with experiential retail: Retailers are focused on enhancing in-store experiences in 2024, and that's great news for shoppers. You might take an in-store workshop at a tech store so you can make better use of your new device, or co-design your pair of sneakers with a brand to ensure your shoes are one-of-a-kind. Pay attention to local events and promotions at your favorite stores as brands find innovative ways to promote new products, partnerships and savings.

For more shopping insights, visit sensormatic.com.

Whether shopping for fun or for the essentials, understanding the latest industry trends can help you make your 2024 consumer experiences more enjoyable and less stressful.