Holiday shopping frenzy: Tips to control impulse buying amid the sales

Reining in on impulse shopping during the holidays can pose a challenge for many, especially with the convenience of buying a discounted laptop from the comfort of their couch.

As the holiday season unfolds, the allure of festive spending, enticing Black Friday deals and the thrill of shopping can often lead to impulsive purchases, putting a strain on budgets and mental well-being.

Reining in impulse shopping during the holidays can pose a challenge for many Canadians, especially with the convenience of buying a discounted laptop or air fryer from the comfort of their couch. But there are ways to help control spending, according to experts.

“Impulse buying absolutely goes up during the holidays,” explained Carrie Rattle, financial therapist and CEO of Behavioral Cents. “The more advertising there is, the more it wears down your willpower. You see it over and over and start thinking ‘I guess I should get this, everybody else must be getting it’.”

Black Friday and Cyber Monday stand out as two of the busiest shopping days in the year, according to the Retail Council of Canada.

While the official start of the two shopping days is still yet to arrive, several sales have already kicked off days and even weeks in advance, exposing consumers to a plethora of deals and advertisements.

Cheryl Thompson, associate professor at the School of Performance at Toronto Metropolitan University, said she believes Black Friday sales started earlier this year and are more aggressive, because of consumer recession and pressure from inflation.

“You feel the anxiety of the retailer, which is which is really a sign of our times,” she said.

Rattle warned heightened advertising combined with the stress of the holiday season can lead to emotional buying — a quick dopamine surge — even though some deals may not be worth it.