Why Red Should Never be the New Black

19 May 2012

The presents are now well and truly unwrapped, the last turkey sandwich has finally been eaten and everything is almost back to normal following the busy festive period.

Well more or less. There is just the madness of the January sales to contend with - a time where usually level-headed people are transformed into wild animals fixated on discovering the ultimate bargains.

Sales somehow have an unbelievable ability to bring out the worst in people and turning shops into absolute carnage.

When Primark launched its Oxford Street store in 2007, a crowd of 3,000 shoppers forced their way into the store, seriously injuring two shop assistants. The crush was caused because rumours spread that every item in the shop would be reduced to £1 - in fact everything was being sold at the same prices as in every other Primark shop across the country.

With many stores now starting their January sales earlier each year - we are now seeing some opening at 5am, and others, such as the Metro Centre, open on Boxing Day - they remain serious business, especially as consumers continue to rein in their spending.

However, while shoppers convince themselves that they are 'technically saving 75 per cent' if they buy that shirt, bag or shoes, many are forcing themselves deeper into debt just to get a bargain.

We all know how easy it is to be drawn in by saving a little bit of money and shops have an amazing talent for making their deals seem so attractive.

At one point everyone has told themselves a little lie to justify that sale splurge - 'I would've definitely have bought it at full price' or 'I do need a new dress'.

It can be all too easy to go from shop to shop checking out the savings but while people focus on the savings that they are making are they really thinking about what they are actually spending?

To avoid starting the New Year in the red shoppers should know their limits and what they can afford to spend. The best bargain hunters don't go overboard and make the sales work for them by knowing what items they actually need. Remember, that new shirt is only really a bargain if it is actually needed.

Northumberland residents concerned about issues relating to debt should contact the DAWN Advice Team for free and independent advice on 0844 4111 309.