Alright, fellow deal hunters, the most magical time of the year is almost here—Black Friday and Cyber Monday! It’s like Christmas came early, but instead of Santa, you’ve got insane discounts and doorbusters ready to slide down your chimney of savings. Whether you’re eyeing that shiny new gadget, planning to refresh your closet, or just looking to snag some goodies on the cheap, this is your time to shine. But before you go all-in with your credit card, let’s break down how to maximize those deals without getting lost in the chaos.
1. Start with a Plan (Because Even Batman Has a Plan)
First things first: make a game plan. And I don’t mean just randomly adding things to your cart—nope, we’re talking strategic, like Batman-level planning here. Start with a list of what you need versus what you want. Yeah, those wireless earbuds are cool, but do you really need a third pair? Focus on essentials, like that new laptop that’s gonna take your school game to the next level, or some winter gear because Canada does not mess around when it comes to cold.
Once you’ve got your list, do some recon. Compare prices from different stores and online retailers. That way, when Black Friday rolls around, you’ll know if that “deal of a lifetime” is really as epic as it sounds. And don’t forget to check out SPC’s partner offers for some extra savings. Double discounts? Yes, please!
2. Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts (AKA Get on the VIP List)
Want to be in the know before everyone else? Sign up for newsletters and alerts from your favorite stores. It’s like getting an all-access pass to the best deals before they’re officially live. Plus, some retailers drop exclusive online discounts to their subscribers, so you might score an early bird deal while everyone else is still waiting for the clock to strike midnight.
And here’s a pro tip: set up a separate email for all those newsletters so your regular inbox doesn’t look like it got hit by a confetti cannon. This way, you won’t miss any deal while keeping your inbox stress-free.
3. Make the Most of Your SPC Membership (Your Secret Weapon)
If you’re not using your SPC membership during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’re seriously missing out. It’s like having a cheat code for shopping. With SPC, you get access to exclusive discounts with partners like H&M, Apple, and Samsung, just to name a few. These aren’t just your average deals; we’re talking serious savings that will make your wallet do a happy dance.
And if you’re banking with CIBC, you can score a FREE SPC+ membership, which takes your savings game to the next level. Now that’s what I call shopping smart!
4. Stack Those Discounts (Because Why Stop at One?)
The only thing better than a discount? Two discounts. Or three. Yes, you can totally stack them, and it’s not even cheating. Here’s how: find items that are already on sale, use your SPC membership for an extra discount, and then throw in any additional promo codes you’ve got up your sleeve. Boom—triple savings!
For example, if you’re shopping at Bluenotes, wait for their Black Friday sale, use your SPC discount, and then see if there’s a promo code you can add at checkout. You’ll walk away feeling like you just won the shopping Olympics.
5. Shop Online and In-Store (Because FOMO Is Real)
Let’s face it, some deals are only available in-store, and others are online exclusives. So why choose? Hit up both! Start your day with an online shopping spree (in your PJs, obviously) and then head to the stores for some IRL deal hunting. Pro tip: go with a friend to make it more fun, and so they can hold your bags while you dive into the sale racks.
Plus, shopping in-store gives you the chance to try on clothes or check out that gadget in person before you buy. But if the thought of battling crowds makes you break out in hives, just stick to online and enjoy the stress-free, crowd-free experience.
6. Don’t Forget About Cyber Monday (Because the Party Doesn’t End on Friday)
Just when you think the deals are over, along comes Cyber Monday, like Black Friday’s cool, tech-savvy cousin. This is your chance to score big on electronics, software, and more—basically, all the stuff that makes your life easier (and way more fun). Keep an eye out for deals on laptops, headphones, and gaming gear.
Check out SPC’s tech offers to see where you can save even more. Whether you’re upgrading your study setup or grabbing some new tech toys, Cyber Monday is the day to do it.
7. Use Price Tracking Tools (Your New BFFs)
Ever wonder if you’re really getting the best deal? Enter price tracking tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel (yep, that’s a real site). These tools let you track prices over time, so you can see if that “huge discount” is actually a huge deal or just retail trickery. Set up alerts for your must-have items, and these tools will notify you when the price drops. Shopping smart has never been easier!
8. Keep Your Receipts (For When You Have Second Thoughts)
Even the most seasoned shoppers get a little buyer’s remorse now and then. Maybe those shoes looked better online, or that tech gadget wasn’t exactly what you expected. No worries—just keep your receipts! Most stores have extended return policies for Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases, so you’ve got time to change your mind.
And if you’re shopping online, take a screenshot of the order confirmation just in case. Better safe than sorry, right?
Final Thoughts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are basically the Super Bowl of shopping. But instead of just rushing in, use these tips to shop smart, score big, and stretch your budget further than you ever thought possible. Your SPC membership is your secret weapon—so don’t forget to use it!
Get ready to crush your shopping goals and fill your cart with all the deals your student heart desires. And remember, with SPC, the savings don’t stop after Black Friday.
Spend. Save. Repeat. With SPC.