Setting SALE for January

I recently attempted for the very first time, to venture into the thing that I always want'd to, but never had the guts to do. The horror and the nail-biting satisfaction that is... The January Sales.

There are differing opinions describing this unique experience, and it depends greatly on your level of commitment to finding a bargain. In Belfast at January, there are basically 3 levels of shoppers (levels defined by motivation as apposed to money spent):

Level 1 - The Claustrophobic

Venturing timidly to the shops nearest to the taxi and bus stands for an easy escape route, to glance over bargains at the "end of aisle", who may be lucky enough to spot a decent bargain or two, but are easily deterred by lengthy ques, over-crowding and a dis-organised rail. These guys are basically your amateur shoppers, with commitment that extends only as far as the buzz you get from one cup of a Starbuck's Mocha Latte.

Level 2 - The Tight-Ass
This shopper has a bit more motivation, directed by the need to NOT EVER pay the normal price for clothes. Venturing confidently in the jumble of people and clothes, undeterred by the small obsticles.This Shopper usually ends up with four tops from the Primark reduced aisle totalling £4. These guys are basically your amateur shoppers, with commitment that extends only as far as the buzz you get from one cup of a Starbuck's Mocha Latte.

Level 3 - The Seasoned Professional
Armed with a larger handbag (or backpack guys), containing the essential bottle of refreshment (non alcoholic, that's a completely different category, that I'm not touching), snacks, the route mentally plotted out and an early morning start, to optimise time and bargain potential. The expert shopper shops alone, 'cause it ain't pretty! This shopper has taken their clothes budget for the year (and then some) and divided it neatly into the major sales periods, all of which mere training for their Mount Everest, the January sales. This shopper is constantly fuelled by refills "to go" of Starbucks Sumatra Espresso (i.e. A LOT of caffiene). Motivation is not a problem for this relentless consumer, who will sometimes visit EVERY relevant shop, regroup to decide which shops to purchase items from, then re-visit them in order of queue size. Yes, I know what your thinking... this is waffle, no such shopper could exist... you doubt the existence of the alleged unbalanced person who indeed has no real social life or friends... Well doubters, if you want proof.. This December on Boxing Day, take a run down to NEXT in Donegal Place in Belfast 7am... Sleeping Bags


Being honest though, the average shopper (including myself), is a combination of all three.