7 News Features: Holiday Shopping

WSVN--For shoppers, it is the Kentucky Derby...The New York Marathon...And the Daytona 500 all rolled into one...If you're storming the stores this weekend, remember once the doors open - it is a race to the finish unlike any other. No rules, no refs, and definitely no rest.

Joanie Futternick: "To go to the mall and handpicking presents just overwhelms me."

But if youre one of those people facing holiday hysteria, you need a game plan. Well not exactly that type of game plan...But close. Here, you need to go on the offense immediatly. Get yourself and your family from parking lot to the store, getting around the other shoppers, finding your desired presents, and getting out with no time to spare.

Joanie Futternick: "You don’t have to fight the traffic."

Mark Neckes is an associate business professor at Johnson and Wales University. He suggests strategizing even before you leave for the mall. Know how much you're willing to spend and what you want to spend your money on.

Professor Mark Neckes: "The perfect shopper knows exactly how much money they have. They have a list already prepared so they are prepared to make that decsion. They already know what theyre going to do."

In this case, check out the merchandise in catalogs and online. If you know what you're going to buy, you'll save time and money.

Mark Neckes: "I am a firm believer in lists."

But never, ever forget the opponent. Remember there are a lot of other shoppers out there and limited number of truly great gifts. At Aventura Mall, they actually suggest arriving early.

Tracy Kaplan: "As the day continues to go into evening and the afternoon, we are very busy here and it gets a little more congested."

Then when you're ready to score at the cash register, keep in mind shopping is like golf. Less is more. The less you pay, the more you win. Make sure to cut out coupons and make sure to sign up for any department store credit cards to get a discount.

Tracy Kaplan : "The idea is to collect as many discounts as possible and use them"

And if you use them correctly, you may not win the Super Bowl. But you'll feel like a champion when your kids open their presents on Christmas morning.

One more word of advice - when you go to the malls, protect yourself from identity theft.

Experts say you only need to take your drivers' license and one or two credit cards.

For More Information:
jryenberg@wsvn.com