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‘Tis the season to be savvy: How to shop online like a pro
Posted by Claire Boote, on December 9, 2020.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
Ready…get set…SHOP! With retail allowed to open across all tiers, the Christmas shopping season has begun in earnest. But if you would rather steer clear of busy high streets in these socially-distanced times, be thankful that you can complete your Yuletide shopping list from the comfort of home. Here’s our guide to shopping online like a pro.
Plan your virtual shopping trip
Pounding the pavements as you trapse store to store laden with bags, helps limit the amount of time and money you spend. But when relaxing on the sofa, laptop open and cuppa (or, umm, wine) to hand, a virtual shopping trip can easily veer off course. Before you know it, you’ve ordered three times what you need, plus a little something for yourself!
Make a list and stick to it. Visit each online store as if you were walking the high street, popping in for Auntie Val’s gift, then heading to the next. By all means browse for inspiration (you’re already saving a tonne of time from not walking) but stick to a time limit (you could even set a 5-minute alarm on your phone per shop). Otherwise you could find you’ve ordered yourself some “where am I going to wear these?” silver stilettoes by midnight…
Shop indie – Shop local
It’s tempting to purchase the majority of your shopping from one of the big retailers – big brand department stores and mega online retailers (naming no names) are great for convenience and combining postage costs. But smaller, independent retailers have had a really tough year in 2020. They keep our town centres vibrant and diverse, and they need our support if they’re to survive in 2021.
Many indie shops have adapted brilliantly to Covid restrictions, offering online ordering either from their established e-tail sites or directly via their Instagram or Facebook channels. Many will offer reasonable P&P costs for delivery across the UK, or if they’re local to you may offer free delivery or ‘click and collect’ services. Supporting independent retailers ensures your money is working extra hard to spread a little joy this season.
Happy returns?
We all hope that the gifts we give are perfect, but sometimes it can’t be helped if your sister already has the book you chose, or that jumper is too tight for grandad. Check the returns policy for anything you buy, and make sure you save all of those email order confirmations (just as you would a paper receipt). At Royce we understand that you may not get it right every time, that’s why we offer UK customers free returns within 28 days of purchase.
Fit yourself at home
One way to avoid unnecessary returns when buying clothing, is to make sure you get the fit right in the first place – and you can do it yourself, at home. Whether you’re buying an outfit for Christmas Day or an end-of-year treat for yourself (and we all deserve that after 2020!), it pays to spend a few minutes measuring yourself. Hips, waist, shoulders are all useful to know, and we can help with the all-important bust size – just visit our handy online fitting guide for our expert advice.
Discounts and gifts
We all love a bargain. As many stores have had their busiest trading period curtailed by lockdowns they will be enticing customers in with all kinds of deals and offers. Before you checkout online spend a couple of minutes seeking out a discount code – either via the retailer’s social media platforms (lots of indie retailers are doing this) or via a Google search (try “voucher code” or “discount code” + brand name). Some offers may include a free gift with a minimum spend or multi-purchase – call it your little reward for all of that hard work shopping.
Our gift to you
Royce is also in giving mode – for every order over £50 (which also means free delivery – you’re welcome), you’ll receive a gorgeous eco-friendly lip balm by Gifts With Grace for free. We adore these natural and handcrafted balms that are available in four lip-smacking Christmas scents: cranberry, mulled wine, gingerbread and orange, and cinnamon. Get in quick – while stocks last.
Last orders
There’s nothing like that creeping panic as Christmas Day approaches, but those online purchases don’t. Always check the delivery section for details of standard delivery (often 3-5 working days but it can be up to two weeks or more) and if they offer express delivery options (planning ahead saves you money here). Many shops will be extra busy at this time of year so check their guaranteed ‘last orders’ date for Christmas delivery. At Royce, get your orders in by Friday 18th December for it to arrive before Christmas Day.
Gift ideas for the women in your life
N.B: Self-gifting is also “a thing”, just saying…
Lingerie-set lovers will adore…
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Eco-warriors will love…
Eden
Our first organic cotton bra is ultra-comfortable, and the athleisure-style means it can be worn as a crop-top
Fitness fans will want…
Impact Free Adjustable Fit
Our brilliant, wirefree sports bras are available for large and small bust sizes, and our Adjustable Fit version is perfect for smaller frames. It features an adjustable racer-back which helps anchor the bra closer to the chest for a perfect fit during activity.
Mums-to-be will covert…
Blossom
Another best-seller, this innovative 2-way design can be worn as a plunge bra or crop top, and grows with your pregnancy with its triple cup sizing. Now available in a new pastel ‘Geo’ design.
