With all that choice, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But don’t fret! Have a read through some of our top tips for savvy shopping online at your favourite department store to help keep you cool, calm and collected.
Know what you want
A department store is not the best place to online window shop. With so much choice, you could be there for hours scrolling through all the different products. Make sure you’re clear on exactly what you want before you start shopping online to save yourself some valuable time. That way, you can jump straight to the category page you need and compare the different options that are available to you.
Look out for reward or membership cards
Enjoy added savings and discounts by signing up for the department store's loyalty program to earn rewards every time you shop online. Marks and Spencer have one of the best reward schemes for their customers that offer your regular savings. Alternatively to reward programs, some department stores offer store credit cards too. Sign up for the store's credit card like the Debenhams Mastercard to unlock even more saving opportunities and great benefits, such as interest-free financing, discounts on purchases, special discounts, access to exclusive sales, rewards points on every purchase, and even free items throughout the year.
Shop the sales
Most department stores host regular online sales, at least once a month. Save big money on particular items at any time during the year, with even bigger seasonal sales for special events like Black Friday, Christmas and summer. When sale items just aren't enough, consider presales, early access sales, and anniversary sales. There, you'll have first dibs on sales items, so you'll have access to the best selection and prices available.
Additional discounts
A lot of big name department stores will offer additional discounts for certain groups of people. Whether that's huge percentage savings for students, NHS staff or military personnel - make sure you find out whether you're entitled to any additional discount before you start shopping online.
Gift cards
Have a particularly hard friend to shop for? Well this years gift buying just got a lot easier! Pick up a gift card online from one of their favourite department stores and let them pick their own gift. With such a huge product range there's bound to be something that's up to their taste.
Sign up to newsletters
Stay in the know on everything from upcoming sales, new brands, special offers and much more by signing up to your favourite department stores newsletter. Get regular updates sent straight to your inbox including top tips from their blogs and maybe even an exclusive discount or two! Huge online department stores such as House of Fraser send out regular newsletters that you don't want to miss.
Light reading
Most big department stores out there have set up amazing blogs that are jam packed with shopping inspo, top tips and helpful guides that you'll love. Explore the huge selection of expert writing that might just help you out in your hour of need. Whether you need fashion advice for an upcoming event, in need of some tips on how to keep your kids entertained over the school holiday or want to know which TV is the best - blogs can be a great resource for some extra information.