topic Re: Purchasing less in 2020? in Community Chat

Purchasing less in 2020?

minimalistWF — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:10:20 GMT

Has your purchasing changed a lot this year since the pandemic and the economic situation? I have a lot of friends now saying that they are not purchasing anything beyond essentials and others that have been spending like things are completely normal. It's interesting to see how people are all approaching this time we are in diffrerently.

I am fortunate to be financially secure, but who knows what could happen in the world, so I'm focusing on saving as much as I can as extra backup. I even think I am going to skip the Nordstrom anniversary sale this year which is one of my favorites times a year to shop. Just doesn't feel right.

What is everyone else doing?

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

Mersha — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:19:36 GMT

@minimalistWF I completely agree with you.

All of the events that I was going to attend have been cancelled for the rest of the year. I will, most likely, be spending most of my time at home.

I stopped at Macy's this week to return some online purchases. I was there around noon and the parking lot and store were close to empty. I looked at a few things but nothing interested me. It looks like they are caught between summer and fall.

I am a big Nordstrom Anniversary sale person and will not be purchasing this year. I am definitely cutting way back.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

Desertdi — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:20:33 GMT

Not in monetary spending........but NOW I keep my "shopping list" on Amazon.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

homedecor1 — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:56:08 GMT

I have absolutely no desire to shop for anything but essentials.

In fact, I went to pay my Kohls charge today -- had $10 rewards exp. 7/31. I walked the whole store "looking" for something to buy...tons of clothes clearance, housewares, shoes, etc.

The only thing I saw was this cute topiary by Scott Brothers. Their lines is being "discontinued" and it's 50-80% off. Picked it up omg it was $64 for a 9' silk plant😳! No way would I pay $32 for it.

Gave my rewards to older couple in check out line who had basket full of kids clothes. There was nothing I wanted or needed!

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

itsmagic — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:50:10 GMT

I’ve been purchasing way less as far as clothing. With no place to go I don’t need anything. But I purchased more for the house (painted the living room, dining room, kitchen and hallways and bought a couple new throw rugs).

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

grandma petes — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:50:20 GMT

My shopping/spending has drastically changed since the pandemic started. We've always been thrifty and careful how we spend our money, but do try and splurge now and then. We just celebrated our 45 Wedding Anniversay, so after all these years, we pretty much have everything we could ever need. In fact, we want to downsize quite a bit.

Other than the occasional Amazon order or quick trip for groceries, we really aren't spending much at all.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

goldensrbest — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:12:04 GMT

Buying more cleaning products,than ever,but clothes no, don't go anywhere ,but grocery store, bj's, walmart some times, did buy disposable masks.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

FrostyBabe1 — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:08:20 GMT

The only thing that I'm spending less on is travel. All of my trips, up until late October/early November have been canceled and I've not yet made a decision on that trip (and no, I'm not interested in opinions on whether I should go or not). My spending on dining out was less while restaurants were closed for dine-in service, but I did do a fair amount of take-out.

Other than that, if I need it, I buy it. If I merely want it, it depends on a number of factors. But I've always been that way.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

Oznell — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:26:51 GMT

We try to be prudent with discretionary spending, but I still shop here and there for home items. Not shopping much for clothes as there simply has been less need with lockdowns and the aftermath.

We often get take-out on weekends, and have throughout the spring and summer, trying to support our local restaurants.

Our economy which was doing so well just a short while ago has been so gut-punched by pandemic. As much as possible, we want to give once-thriving businesses a chance to climb back after forcible shut-downs.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

FlowerBear — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:33:13 GMT

Yes alot less. No shopping yet. I only go to get groceries and essentials. I ordered a few of the essentials on Amazon and might need to order a few more things there. Cooking at home only, no clothes buying.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

FlowerBear — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:34:33 GMT

@homedecor1 The Scott brothers line in Kohls was very expensive and I never bought a thing! I didnt notice last year that much was being bought.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

Eileen in Virginia — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:27:20 GMT

It varies. Early in the pandemic, I created an inventory of the items in my pantry and both refrigerators. I consult it when I make our weekly dinner menu and shopping list to ensure I use what we've got on hand before buying new.

I haven't actively shopped for clothing, but I do take advantage of Talbots online flash sales. They're just too good to pass up. Although I could afford to pay full price, I just couldn't see the sense in paying $59 for a tee shirt or almost $200 for a simple dress. I've gotten dresses, skirts and pants for $30, tee shirts for $10, a blazer for $30, etc.

I continued to do our grocery shopping, primarily at BJ's, and took advantage of their senior hour to avoid crowds. Most of the supermarkets in our area have clearly marked directional lanes in the aisles and 6' indicators to promote social distancing. They also require masks while you're in their store.

DH and I are both retired, so we can rely on our annuities as an income source. We live well within our means and don't splurge on expensive toys, vacations or other extravagant purchases. Since most of our spending is discretionary, we can cut back if the need arises.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

beckyb1012 — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:34:08 GMT

Gas since I still went to my office everyday during shut down, Groceries since that was my only excitement and gifts for Grandchildren, well just because. That is all for me I have not stimulated this economy but just increased my retirement accounts instead.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

Regal Bee — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:34:20 GMT

I have stopped purchasing any dressy clothing.....not going anywhere to wear them.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

scatcat — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:39:54 GMT

Haven't been out to dinner or had a mani/pedi since middle of March.

Spending more at grocery store. Spending less on clothes, shoes, cosmetics

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

VaBelle35 — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:49:09 GMT

Nothing is really open here in terms of entertainment. Shopping isn't fun right now as most stores don't really have new stock.

Plus it's so hot out that doing anything outside isn't really an option either.

So my expenses are about half of what they normally are due to not wandering around in stores on the weekends or eating out, getting a Starbucks coffee, etc. ;o)

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

LindaSal — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:03:34 GMT

I have reigned in my spending somewhat. Though I have bought some clothing items at prices I could not resist, not on the Q if I may say so, LOL.........also have purchased some items for home. Got a couple of Christmas decor items on Balsam Hill on clearance. But other than that just the usual groceries and essential items you need everyday. We have been cooking a lot more since this started but have ventured out to places recently that we trust, trying to help our local restaurants. I do miss traveling as we are avid travelers but are saving a bundle on that alone! Hoping to take an elaborate trip in the future

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

deepwaterdotter — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:26:53 GMT

@grandma petes wrote:
My shopping/spending has drastically changed since the pandemic started. We've always been thrifty and careful how we spend our money, but do try and splurge now and then. We just celebrated our 45 Wedding Anniversay, so after all these years, we pretty much have everything we could ever need. In fact, we want to downsize quite a bit.

Other than the occasional Amazon order or quick trip for groceries, we really aren't spending much at all.

Same for us.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

AuntG — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:39:02 GMT

Naturally! Purchasing less, eating out less, going fewer places. If anyone has benefited, it's Amazon. I order basic supplies about once a month from them just to stay out of the big box stores. My friend got some great fall deals at Hobby Lobby and wants me to go with her, but I declined. Just don't want to be out in public unless necessary.

Re: Purchasing less in 2020?

Alter Ego — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:39:48 GMT

I was still buying some new summer clothes, thinking I would be going back to the office. Now, it’s too late to return anything and there’s no real date to return. So, I’m not going to buy any more clothes unless there is a specific reason to do so. There’s a few household items I may purchase, but I’m not in a hurry for that.

A lot of my $$ was spent on meal delivery kits that really helped me keep focused and sane during the start of the stay at home order. I’m trying to move away from them know; only getting a box once a month rather than weekly or every other week.