For beauty newbs, or really anyone, if we’re being real, shopping at Sephora can be pretty daunting. Its huge, bright stores are filled with rows on rows of different brands of mascaras, foundations, eyeliners, skincare, and more, which sounds like heaven, but it’s easy to get intimidated. Become one with the beauty mavens with these tips and tricks that are super beneficial to shopping at Sephora.
Here are the best tips and tricks for shopping at Sephora.
Sign up for the Beauty Insider Program – It’s worth it
Reward programs can be super annoying, but Sephora’s is not – we swear! By signing up, you’ll get 1 reward point for every dollar you spend, which you can redeem on products in stores. On top of that, you’ll get a free gift on your birthday, seasonal promotions, personalized recommendations, and free product beauty classes. Plus, the more you spend, you can upgrade your “status” – the top tier being “Rouge” which earns you extra perks. Sign up for Sephora’s Beauty Insider Program here.
If you’re looking to save up on beauty products, check the bottom row
Brands often pay more to be merchandised in more visible and central locations, so you’ll typically find cheaper items along the bottom of stands or the outer perimeters of the store. Newer, more expensive products are always kept at eye level, so keep your eyes peeled for those deals!
Sephora will refund you the difference of an item if the item you’ve purchased has gone on sale
If an item you’ve purchased from Sephora goes on sale within two weeks of original purchase, call up customer service and they’ll reimburse you the difference! All you need is ID and the original receipt number or order number.
Don’t forget your free samples!
If you’re shopping online with Sephora, with every purchase, you’re able to choose two samples from a variety of products provided. If you’re shopping in-store, there are samples available at checkout, or if you want to try a particular product, just ask an employee and they’ll almost always be able to get you one.
You can return products you bought and didn’t like
We’ve all fallen into the trap of buying something that looks good in-store, but doesn’t end up working out for one reason or another. The beauty with Sephora is that if you, for example, bought a bronzer that was a bit too sparkly, you take it back to the store and they’ll let you exchange it or give you a store credit – even if it’s been used.
Wait for the semi-annual sales
Sephora typically has two major sales every year for its Beauty Insiders. You’ll usually get a Sephora promo code for unlimited use at 10% off, VIB members get 15% off and Rouge members get 20% off. Rouge members typically get first access to the sale with a week’s head start.
Don’t fall victim to the cute little goodies in the bins in front of the cash register
They’re cute and fun-sized, but typically not the best deals! If you’re looking for samples, it’s way cheaper to implement #4.
Sephora Collection makes dupes for tons of pricier products
Don’t miss out on the Sephora Collection with a major range of lipsticks, bronzers, highlighters, skincare, and more. Apparently, Sephora products are either discontinued or reformulated if it receives ratings of anything lower than four stars. So, you know that you’re getting great quality products without the high-end price tag.
You Can Get A Free Personal Shopping Experience
It’s totally free to get a 20 minute personal shopping experience from a pro! Plus, anytime you enter a Sephora their staff are always happy to help! If you’re a little intimidated, don’t be afraid to ask for some guidance.
Despite the lack of sales that Sephora has, they do have sale items
And you’ll find them hidden at the edges of stores or in the bins on the end of displays.
Follow Sephora on Socials To Learn About New Products & Deals
If you never want to miss an update, make sure to follow Sephora on socials! Its Instagram in particular is always being updated with the latest beauty tips, drops, and news.
Always Read Reviews
Sephora’s website has an amazing review section where you can see the reviewers eye colour, hair colour, skin tone, and skin type to better assess if a particular product might work for you! For example, if you have dry skin and someone reviewing a product has oily skin, you may have a completely different experience. So, you can find a reviewer with similar characteristics to yourself and see how the product worked for them!
Redeem Your Beauty Insider Points Online
As we mentioned above, every dollar you spend as a Beauty Insider, you get a point. Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem for rewards (products). Although all Sephora locations have a selection of rewards to choose from in-store, there are way more options online.
If It’s Sold Out In-Store, Try Online
It may sound simple enough, but don’t just assume that because a product is sold out in-store, it means it’s sold out online. Online has way more products available than a single Sephora could carry. You’re more likely to snag those viral items while shopping on the Sephora website (or app).
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Wayfair is one of the best sites online that have pretty much everything you’ll ever need for your home. It really is a one-stop shop. Of course, that means we had to do some digging to find out how you can save some cash while shopping. Check out all of the tips to know before you make a purchase at Wayfair Canada.
Here are tips that every Wayfair Canada shopper should know.
Shop the Canadian Site
To ensure you receive the best Wayfair shopping experience, always make sure you’re shopping on the Canadian site (Wayfair.ca) and not the American. You’ll know you’re on the right website because you’ll receive free shipping on orders over $75 Canadian and you won’t incur any additional duties or taxes!
Wayfair Pricing for Business Customers
Calling all designers, event planners, and business owners! Register as a business customer with Wayfair and receive special pricing on select items site-wide. Not sure if you qualify as a business customer? Click here for all of the details on becoming a Wayfair Business Customer.
Find Out About Deals Using The “Upcoming Sales” Tab
Get notified about any upcoming sales on the site. Browse all of the sales that are happening soon and enter your email to get an alert when those certain deals are happening. It’s a great way to be ahead of the game if you’re searching for specific items.
Wayfair Rewards
We always love more ways to save. Did you know that Wayfair will pay you just for introducing your friends to their website? Each new friend who uses your referral email link will save $10 off of their purchase and you’ll earn $10 off of your next purchase. Click here for all of the details on the Wayfair Rewards Program.
Shop Closeout Deals
Looking for more savings? Shop Closeout Deals on Wayfair for deep discounts on overstock and discontinued products. The prices of merchandise marked down in this section are pretty incredible!
The Power of Product Reviews
Wayfair has a community of loyal shoppers who are open and honest when it comes to providing product feedback. We found it highly beneficial to read through a product’s reviews before making a purchase online. Customer reviews will give you a great idea of whether the product you are about to purchase will live up to your expectations.
Know Your Return Policy
Just in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase, Wayfair offers a generous 30-day return policy. Note: Wayfair will either send you a shipping label and deduct the cost of shipping from your refund total or you’ll have to pay to ship back the item yourself. Keep this in mind, as the cost of shipping large and heavy furniture pieces will not be cheap!
Mark Down When Wayfair’s Biggest Sales Of The Year Are
Be sure to stay in the loop for major sales. Way Day is a huge annual sale where you can score up to 80 percent off of thousands of products. The date varies, so be sure to look it up each year. Other notable sales are Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Request a Quote from Wayfair
Let’s talk awesome! We are so impressed by the speedy and genuine customer service at Wayfair. If you are ever dissatisfied with an order or product, simply contact Wayfair to get help ASAP. Remember, the more details you provide about your order to the Customer Service Team, the better they can help you.
Shop at 9 am On Sale Days
If you know a sale is coming up, be sure to mark your calendars to be prepared. All of Wayfair’s sales begin at 9 am, so you can get ready and be one of the first to score great deals before items are sold out.
Wayfair Emails
Here’s a simple way to save Sign up for Wayfair Canada emails and you’ll receive coupons, sale alerts, inventory updates, and notifications when an item you’ve saved to your Idea Board drops in price.
Wayfair Customer Service
Let’s talk awesome! We are so impressed by the speedy and genuine customer service at Wayfair. If you are ever dissatisfied with an order or product, simply contact Wayfair to get help ASAP. Remember, the more details you provide about your order to the Customer Service Team, the better they can help you.
Partial Refunds
If you notice part of your order is slightly damaged, you can actually let customer service know and receive a small discount to keep the item instead. Of course, if the damage outweighs the refund offered, you can still return the item as usual!
Coupon Codes With Sale Items
Typically at most retailers, you aren’t able to combine coupon codes with items already on sale. At Wayfair, if you’re lucky enough to find a promo code, you can totally combine it with your discounted items to get even more savings!
Keep Full Priced Items In Your Cart For A Bit
If you’ve found an item that you love at full price, keep it in your ‘Saved For Later’ cart or ‘Favourites’ for a while. Usually, Wayfair will email you about purchasing items in your cart, and even offer a promo code. Although this doesn’t always happen, it’s definitely worth it to try out. Plus, Wayfair will also send you notifications if the item is now low in stock or if it has a price reduction.
Way Day
If you really want to score big at Wayfair, you should keep an eye out for Way Day. This year it’s April 27-29, and although dates don’t get released super early, it usually takes place the last few days of this month. You’ll get to browse up to 80% off across all categories throughout the site.
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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your fave stores. Hidden offerings, insider secrets, and the ultimate savings are what we live for!
Here are things every Value Village shopper needs to know.
1. Sign up for the Super Savers Club Card
Be sure to pick up a Super Savers Club Card the next time you’re leaving Value Village. You’ll get an initial 25 per cent off discount coupon after you register the card online, but you’ll also get information on special sale events, members-only coupons and birthday offers. By getting a club card, you’ll stay up to date on what’s happening at your local Value Village.
2. Donate!
When you donate items at Value Village, it translates into revenue for their 140 nonprofit partners across Canada, the U.S. and Australia. But of course, there’s something in it for you! When you donate your gently worn clothes, Value Village will give you a coupon for a specified dollar amount off your purchase of $10 or more. This way you can feel good about buying more clothes.
3. Give Yourself Enough Time
Value Village is not a quick, in-and-out experience. It takes time to dig through all the racks of clothing and then even more time trying the clothes on and then deciding what to buy. Allocate yourself a couple of hours to thrift through the store to ensure you find what you’re looking for. Grab your girlfriends and make an afternoon of it! They’ll also provide you with a second opinion on pieces you aren’t quite sure of.
4. Watch the Tags
The tags at Value Village are basically a secret sale code. The tags are colour coded to reflect when an item came in and each week a different coloured tag is on sale. Usually, it is announced over the loudspeaker what colour tag is on sale, but the employees are happy to tell you as well. So ask away and start doing some major savings!
5. The Dry Cleaner and Tailor are Your Friends
Regardless of which Value Village you go to, there’s a certain smell that is bound to hit you at some point during your shopping experience. But don’t be afraid, because it’s just the smell of clothes that need a good wash. They’ll be good as new after a round at the dry cleaners so don’t let the smell deter you. Sometimes you have to endure that smell in order to find that perfect piece you’ve been looking for. And befriend a tailor, too! If you find a piece you love but, let’s say, the shoulders are too big or the legs are too wide, take it to the tailor! Investing an extra $10 in something you’ll wear time and time again is always worth it.
6. Keep an Open Mind
When thrifting, you’re bound to find a few crazy items – it’s the nature of Value Village. But sometimes you find something that’s so crazy it just might work. It’s something you laugh at for being so out there but you feel guilty for not having the courage to pull it off yourself. Well put that item in your cart and give it a shot! Value Village is the place for taking risks; it’s a place where you can mix and match things you would have never thought possible. So keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try on certain items.
7. Look for Problems
Now, don’t be a Negative Nancy or anything, but when it comes to thrift shopping it’s best to expect the worst. Say you find a gorgeous designer dress… but why did someone want to give away an article of clothing so seemingly perfect in the first place? Maybe there’s a huge stain on it. Or the zipper doesn’t work. Regardless, be sure to examine everything carefully. There’s nothing worse than getting a new item home and realizing it has an unfixable issue.
8. Shop Off-Season
Rather than heading to Value Village at the same time as everyone else, try shopping at non-peak times. Many off-season items are on sale during their opposite season, such as sandals in winter. They may not be marked on sale, but the prices are often lower than if you try to buy them during the season. You won’t get to wear them right away, but when the right season finally rolls around, you’ll be thankful you bought those sandals at half off when you did.
9. Know Good Value
Not every item you find at Value Village is going to be a home run. Yes, there are diamonds in the rough, but it’s a long journey through multiple racks of clothes to get to said diamonds. With practice, you should become familiar with what’s good quality and what is worth leaving behind. A polyester sweater isn’t going to hold up like a cashmere one. Pay attention, know quality when you see it.
10. Shop With a Goal in Mind
In need of more clothes for work? Shopping for staple items? Or just looking for a signature piece to add to your wardrobe? Whatever the reason, a great way to navigate Value Village is by shopping with a goal in mind. Don’t go in with your head in the clouds or you’ll be sure to get lost amongst the racks. When going in with a goal, you are more likely to find what you’re looking for.
11. Check Out A Couple Of Locations
If you’re planning on making a trip to Value Village, try and head over earlier in the day since a lot of the items get picked over by the evening. Plus, try and visit a couple of locations on your shopping adventure, to make it worthwhile. Sometimes you may not find what you’re looking for at just one spot. Enjoy more of a selection to browse through and score awesome deals.
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While a bit of shopping at Sephora can act as the perfect retail therapy, it can also do some serious damage to your wallet. In an effort to be kinder to our wallets while exploring the luxury beauty aisles of Sephora stores, we’ve compiled a few tips to decrease your bill. Happy shopping and saving!
Here are tips to save money when shopping at Sephora.
Tip #1: Embrace Value Sets
Sephora is fantastic at curating limited edition value sets containing a mixture of items within a particular product category. Cosmetics within each Sephora Favourites set can range from trial size to full size and contain multiple colours, shades and/or formulas that will appeal to the broadest selection of customers, while still offering variety. Check the label on these Favourites Sets to reinforce just how much money you’re saving; it’s going to be a lot!
Tip #2: Try Before You Buy
Sephora always offers free samples of your favourite beauty and skincare items. Simply ask a store associate for some assistance and they’ll equip you with a sample to take home along with a printout of the product’s ingredients and usage instructions. If just one take-home sample size isn’t enough to give you a realistic impression of the product’s performance, return to the store for another sample. Quality cosmetics and skincare are not cheap. Don’t spend your money unless you know the item is right for you. Also, if you make a purchase online, be sure to check out the free samples section to add to your cart at checkout so you can try out even more items!
Tip #3: Shop Sephora Collection Items
The developers at Sephora really know their stuff! So much so that they take everything they’ve gathered about customer shopping behaviour and product preferences to create their very own beauty line. The Sephora Collection is expansive with over 500 unique items and offers everything from false lashes to night cream for half the price of neighbouring high-end cosmetics lines.
Tip #4: Keep Your Receipt
This Sephora shopping tip is a no brainer! This beauty mecca offers a killer return policy just in case the item you’ve picked up just doesn’t work for you. Always save your receipt and return your items for a full refund within 30 days.
Tip #5: Sign-Up To Be A Beauty Insider
Be sure to sign-up to be a Beauty Insider as there are a handful of deals that you’ll be able to snag. The Sephora VIB event usually happens around three times a year when you can save 10%, 15%, or 20% on your entire purchase, depending on your status. This is a great time to add all of the items you’ve been eyeing and get them at a discount. Plus, once your birthday rolls around, you’ll get to choose a free gift!
Tip #6: Use Coupon Codes
Don’t ever miss out on the chance to save more money easy savings if you’re shopping online at Sephora. Use browser extensions like Honey to search the web for extra coupon codes to use. Once coupons have been found, you can even head on over to the app and use it there so you can still earn Beauty Insider points! Plus, the code FREESHIP is typically active so you never have to pay for shipping.
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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your favourite stores and online retailers. Hidden offerings, insider secrets and the ultimate savings… we’ve rounded up the things every HomeSense shopper needs to know. Keep reading for the top tips for shopping at HomeSense.
New Product Shipments
Looking for the latest and greatest inventory at HomeSense? Ask a store associate which day of the week their location receives new shipments and plan your next shopping trip accordingly. Most staff will be happy to share with you their store’s delivery days as well as which day of the week they mark down the prices on older inventory.
Where to get the best selection
No two HomeSense locations are alike. We’ve rounded up the top 5 HomeSense locations to shop from across the GTA for the best inventory selection and service.
Shop Often
The inventory at HomeSense is always changing. The stores typically get several deliveries a week, which means more goodies for you to browse through!
There Aren’t Any Stock Rooms
What you see is what you get. At HomeSense there are no stock rooms for excess inventory, so if you can’t find sizes or other options on the floor, unfortunately, that’s all that hey have. But since the inventory is so plentiful and such a variety, you’re sure to find items you love regardless.
Know Your Inventory
Still can’t find the product you’re looking for? Don’t forget to check out TJX sister brands Winners and Marshalls for hearty selections of off-price home decor. Both stores have sizeable home furnishings departments with overlapping items also sold at HomeSense.
Return Policy
HomeSense offers a generous 30 day return policy for members of the TJX Canada Style+ loyalty program. If rushing back to a HomeSense location for a return isn’t convenient, you can always head over to sister stores Winners or Marshalls, who will gladly accept returns of HomeSense merchandise.
Ask About Delivery
No access to a vehicle? Most HomeSense locations partner with a local delivery service to make getting items to your home easier. Fees start at $45 and are coordinated with the delivery service directly, not HomeSense.
Get The Right Size Furniture for Your Space
HomeSense makes getting the right size easy! We love the handy paper measuring tapes hanging throughout the store. Grab one to make measuring easy and take tons of photos of an item to bring home and determine if an item will work within your space.
Seasonal Inventory
One of the best departments at HomeSense is the seasonal items. There’s always a ton of choices at really great prices. So be sure to head out to your favourite HomeSense and check it out each season for some awesome decor.
Buy it or Regret it
When shopping at discount department stores like HomeSense, it’s safe to say that if you see an item you like, grab it before someone else does. We’ve made several trips to HomeSense in the hopes of picking up that one item that we saw that one time and never purchased… Take it from StyleDemocracy, buyer’s remorse is always safer than buyer’s regret!
Clearance Items
We love spotting those little red stickers on items. For the best deals at HomeSense, check the back of each aisle for a ton of discounted merchandise. See an item with a damage that you feel should be on clearance? Don’t be afraid to ask a store associate. They will likely be happy to mark down an item for you on the spot if there is an irreparable damage.
Goodies by the Checkout
Gift giving made easy! We are suckers for all of the items lining the checkout lines at HomeSense. If you’re in need of a last-minute holiday or housewarming gift, here’s where you need to start looking. Find the cutest candles, glasses and kitchen towels – the perfect little addition to a nice bottle of wine!
Get Social for Gift Cards
HomeSense is constantly running contests on social media to give away gift cards. Entering to win is easy – just a post a photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram of your most recent HomeSense purchase and tag your photo with the hashtag #MyHomeSense. Regardless if there is an active contest at the time, publishing your photo on social media will prep your entry for when the contest period opens up again.
Featured Image: Instagram:@the.property.stylist
Is there anything else that every HomeSense shopper needs to know? What would you add?
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Roots is one of those Canadian brands that everyone has in their closet. Whether it’s a cozy sweater or pair of track pants, the brand’s high-quality loungewear helps most of us survive Canadian winters.
The next time you’re in the market for some new sweats or leather goods, make sure to employ some of these Roots secrets!
Save on your next purchase with coupons, clearance pricing, and more — not to mention Roots has a number of Last Chance outlets and warehouse sales worth visiting in the GTA. Being cozy doesn’t have to break the bank!
Check out 8 Roots secrets to know the next time you shop below.
Make sure you’re receiving a student discount if you are in school.
Just for being a student, you can receive automatic savings of 15% off at Roots with your SPC card. If you’re making a purchase in-store, it’s as easy as showing your SPC card to the cashier. Purchasing online? Simply log in to spccard.ca first and follow their online shopping instructions.
Find online coupons to save money on your next Roots purchase.
You can find coupons for savings at Roots all over the web. A quick google search will do the trick, but WagJag, RetailMeNot, and Honey are reliable sources for little known promotion codes and more. Head over to these sites regularly to snag the best deals.
Sign up for Roots mailing list to get notified about its big sale events happening throughout the year.
Make sure you sign up for the Roots newsletter. Not only will you keep up-to-date on new arrivals, promotions, and savings, but you’ll be in the loop for all of its sale events. According to Bargain Moose, the Canadian retailer hosts several massive sales a year: The Roots Anniversary Sale, The Roots Sweats Sale, The Roots Customer Appreciation Sale, The Roots Black Friday Sale, The Roots Boxing Day Sale, The Roots Summit Sale, and Roots End of Year Sale. On average you’ll be saving up to 25-50% off during those events.
Always take a peek at the Roots’ clearance section for amazing online savings.
The Roots clearance section is a treasure trove for fans of the classic Canadiana brand. The selection is usually large, with plenty of styles and sizes available. A lot of times, Roots will also offer further discounts on select styles when you are ready to checkout.
Visit the Roots Last Chance Outlet for discounts all year round.
If you’re based in Toronto or Vancouver, then you’re lucky enough to be able to visit these stores! The Last Chance stores offer deals on past seasons’ styles. Luckily, Roots is so classic that you’d never know the offerings weren’t current!
Shop on resale websites to get deep discounts on lightly worn Roots clothing.
Resale websites can be a great way to save big on gently worn Roots apparel. Thredup and Carousell typically have an assortment of items for incredibly cheap. Sweats can be found for just $10, hoodies for $20, or even less depending on the seller. If you’re unsure about the quality, you can always ask the seller for more photos to prove the garments’ condition.
Only order online if you plan to purchase more than one item.
While Roots does offer free shipping to Canadians, it isn’t without a purchase of $75 or more. Looking for a pair of cabin socks? Definitely purchase in the store. Otherwise, if you’re stocking up on sweats and basics, you’re in the green as your shopping cart should meet the $75 minimum.
Keep an eye out for the warehouse sales Roots hosts.
This is our favourite of all the Roots secrets we have up our sleeve. If you live in Toronto or the greater Toronto area, keep an eye out for the warehouse sales that Roots hosts. These sales happen a couple of times a year, usually in Mississauga, and offer shoes, apparel, and accessories for as low as $4.
To stay up-to-date with when the next warehouse sale will be happening, be sure to sign up for the StyleDemocracy mailing list or the Shoestring Shopping mailing list — both will keep you up-to-date with not only the Roots Warehouse Sale, but other warehouse and sample sales happening in the city.
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Let’s face it…being an adult is expensive! The costs associated with being independent and indulgent sure can add up. To help pay the bills, you can find relief by picking up a “side hustle” in addition to your regular day job.
A side hustle is a flexible second job that allows you to make extra money by doing something that you really enjoy. Some side hustles can take on the form of a small business if you’re willing to embrace your entrepreneurial side. While other side hustles require less commitment and allow you to earn extra cash on a more casual basis.
Think you’re ready to take one on? We’re here to help you get started! Below are seven simple ways to start making extra cash.
Pick Up A Delivery Gig
Make your own schedule and some extra cash by becoming an Uber or Lyft driving-partner. No access to a vehicle? Become a rider for a food delivery service like UberEats or Foodora to earn some extra money and keep fit while working. Either service is a great side hustle for those working irregular hours and living in the downtown core. This option is especially great for those who love to ride their bike, it’ll barely feel like work!
Rent Your Car
Owning a car isn’t exactly cheap, especially if it spends a lot of time sitting unused in your driveway or parking spot. Luckily, Turo is here to help you pay for it and all the other things you love! Like Airbnb but for cars, Turo allows you to rent yours to others who might need it. All you’ve gotta do is make a profile, upload some sweet photos of your ride, set your price, and wait for the requests to roll in. The insurance is covered by Turo and you get full control of when and who you rent the car to, so the risk is pretty low — why not let your car start earning money for you?
Instagram/@x742617000027x
Get Paid To Help Others With Everyday Tasks
Ask for Task is a genius way to make some extra money for doing small jobs that others in your area just can’t tackle themselves. Do you have amazing painting skills or impressive cleaning skills? Make extra cash fast with a side hustle as your neighbourhood’s go-to painter or cleaning person.
Sell Beauty Products Online
A great side hustle for those with a beauty obsession is selling products as an Avon or Arbonne representative. You can easily earn extra cash by selling these beauty lines from the comfort of your own home when it’s convenient for you. Bonus – score freebies like product samples and discounts off your own beauty purchases with each company.
Instagram/@myavoninsider
Get Paid For Taking Care Of Others
Sharing is caring and we love Care.com – an online community that connects families and caregivers. As a caregiver, you can register online to connect with households in your area seeking any type of assistance from babysitting to dog walking. Use your skills working with others to make extra cash in your community with a fun (and possibly furry) side hustle as a caregiver.
Dog Sit
If you love animals, this is the perfect side gig for you. Through Rover, you can get paid to play with dogs all day! And that’s not even the best part about it! There’s so much flexibility in this kind of job — you get to pick your own schedule, the services you offer — whether that be boarding, walking, house calls, or daycare — and your dog preference.
Instagram/@roverdotcom
Sell Your Stuff
While this option isn’t something you can do on the regular, it is a great way to earn a little extra cash and clean your house while you’re at it. Almost everything you have can be sold – think gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, and even electronics. Take your gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories to consignment stores in the city and sell your old furniture on websites like Kijiji or Craigslist.
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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your favorite stores.
From hidden offerings and insider secrets, to how to find the ultimate savings, we’ve rounded up 10 things every Shoppers Drug Mart shopper needs to know.
Every Store Is Different
Instagram/@artdecotoronto
No two Shoppers Drug Mart locations are identical. You’ll find that the size, product selection, operating hours, and even the return policy can differ from store to store based on the location and clientele. We found super accommodating return policies in rural Shoppers Drug Mart stores and early opening times at some locations in downtown Toronto.
You Can Now Get Cosmetic Injections
Instagram/@thebeautyclinic
In December of last year, Shoppers Drug Mart announced it is launching its very first Beauty Clinic. The pilot store, located in Oakville, is dedicated to cosmetic dermatology services and will feature experienced nurse practitioners. The Beauty Clinic offers a range of services from Botox and lip fillers to IPL photo rejuvenation and medical grade peels. The best part is, you can use your PC Optimum points when you pay, so you bet there are a whole lot of points to be earned!
Hello, Joe Fresh!
That was fast! Joe Fresh end aisle display in a downtown Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart. pic.twitter.com/9zhGC6oFI0
— Grocery Business (@GroceryBusiness) January 22, 2016
You can now find a HUGE selection of Joe Fresh beauty products and Joe Fresh jewelry displayed in Shoppers Drug Mart stores. We love the big selection and low price point of these items super trendy items.
Free Makeup Application
Instagram/@beauty_in_the_kingsway
That’s right! Planning to purchase a minimum of $50 in cosmetics? Call your local Shoppers Drug Mart ahead of time to make an appointment with a Beauty Boutique aesthetician for a free makeup application.
You Can Shop Online Too
Instagram/@uana.c
Need to re-stock on some essentials? Not only can you purchase from Shoppers Drug Mart’s luxe Beauty Boutique but now you can shop all your drugstore faves online too. Shop online and get 3 free samples with every luxury beauty order and in case you’re not totally satisfied with your purchase, you can return in store for free.
Shoppers Optimum Points Are Now PC Optimum Points
Ever since Loblaws purchased Shoppers Drug Mart, everyone’s beloved Optimum Points have become PC Optimum points. While there were some major hiccups when the new program launched, now all your points are in one place whether you’re grocery shopping or stocking up on your make-up must haves.
It Pays To Spend
Instagram/@shoppersoptimom
Keep your eye on the PC Optimum offers in your app because there are often times where you can earn 10x or even 20x the points when you spend a certain amount in store. Every 10,000 points is equal to $10 so if you’re looking to spend big, save your points and you can redeem them for that special purchase.
A One-Stop Shop for Gift Giving
Shoppers Drug Mart’s gift card selection is amazing for the laziest of gift givers. There’s a gift card for everyone on your list if you find yourself shopping during the eleventh hour and the selection of greeting cards is excellent, as well.
Seniors Day Is Every Thursday
Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart generously offers 20 per cent off on regular priced merchandise with a PC Optimum card to anyone who shops on Seniors Day. While Shoppers Drug Mart says official age of a senior is 65, some locations may choose to lower the age so it’s best to check with your local store for all the details.
There’s A Mobile App!
Shoppers Drug Mart
Download the PC Optimum app if you’re seeking more savings like customized digital coupons, rewards, and a handy digital PC Optimum card so that you can lighten your wallet!
Featured Image: Instagram/@bright_side_wc
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Loyalty Memberships Are The Future Of Shopping
Big box stores are pretty much a necessity in today’s society. It’s the era of walking into a single store and picking up everything on your shopping list in one convenient location.
But as great as Walmart, Target, and The Real Canadian Superstore are, none of them hold a candle to Costco.
Revealed by former employees and shopping pros, these Costco secrets will help you get the most out of your next trip.
1. You can cancel your membership at anytime and get a 100% refund.
Instagram/@costco
Many Costco customers assume that they are roped into a year-long contract when they decide to become a member. But, the good news is, you are free to cancel at anytime and get your money back, even after you’ve already reaped the benefits of being a member for most of the year.
2. You can return almost anything and get a full refund.
Instagram/@numberonejedi
Want to go camping, but don’t have any camping gear, and will probably never need to use it ever again in your life? Not a problem. At Costco, you can buy a tent, sleeping bag and a cooler, and return it the following weekend, or five years from then if you want to. Costco hardly ever refuses the return of sold products, with the exception of electronics and diamonds. An employee says you can buy an entire patio set, use it for 10 years, return it — sun damage, rust and all — no receipt, and still get a full refund. We don’t suggest it, but the option is there!
3. Costco treats their employees extremely well.
Instagram/@ajaxfitlife
You can work at Costco your entire life, and retire comfortably. An employee says that there is tons of room for growth in the company, and eventually you’d make more than $25/hourly, earn up to $500 in bonuses, weeks of paid vacation, and benefits.
4. Costco employees get a free executive membership.
Instagram/@costco
This one seems kind of obvious, but it isn’t uncommon for companies not to give their employees the full perks of working for them, free stuff especially. But at Costco, they make sure their staff are taken care of.
5. Costco rearranges their products almost daily, and doesn’t use any signage to provide a “treasure hunt” effect.
Instagram/@91_722
Whoever thought of this one is a bit of a genius. It’s a simple strategy, but it does ultimately force customers to wander the halls. On their way to whatever they’re looking for, they are bound to spot a few other things along the way that catch their eye, as well as some things you should always buy at Costco.
6. The people who give out samples at Costco, don’t actually work for Costco.
Instagram/@sisasilvas
An unpopular fact, but the people who hand us samples at Costco, also known as brand ambassadors, are actually outside sources, contracted by the company or Costco vendors, and have no other affiliation with Costco.
7. The best day and time to get samples are Saturdays and Sundays between 1pm and 2pm.
Instagram/@drkaylarandhawa
A Costco “sample guy” says that over the weekend is when you’ll see the most samples for testing and trying. If you want to ensure a snack smorgasbord, go between 1pm and 2pm as that’s when all of the shift employees will be out.
8. Costco and Amazon are rivals.
Instagram/@b.radfromthe_602
It seems that in this new-age of retail, Amazon has been nearly monopolizing the industry, reshaping the way everyone shops, and it’s forcing companies to find new strategies in order to compete. However, Costco has stuck to a tactic that has been working for them for the last decade, and that is using membership fees to offer better prices on merchandise. Back in 2015, Amazon was seen as Costco’s biggest threat, as they have an incredibly sizeable customer overlap. Since then, Amazon has taken the lead in net-worth, but the two have gone back and forth in the past.
9. Costco does not price match.
Instagram/@ketochefgirl
Although there are several benefits to shopping at Costco, price-matching is not one of them. Unlike most big-box stores, Costco doesn’t think it is necessary to offer price adjustments because they claim to already offer the most competitive prices.
Featured image: Instagram/@aya1ove7
Instead of throwing everything into your suitcase and seeing what fits, use our packing tips to get organized and help maximize the most out of your carry-on.
Stash your valuables close at hand
Most airlines allow for a carry-on plus a personal item such as a handbag. Keep those special items such as prescriptions, valuables, money and other necessary travel documents close at hand when travelling.
Overhead bin space is limited.
Due to limited space in the overhead bins, you might be that unlucky soul that has to hand their bag over to the flight attendants to check. If this happens, be prepared by packing your necessities in your personal item (i.e. toothbrush, keys, ID, comb, etc…)
Make a list – check it twice.
It’s a great idea to create a brief list of the items you would like to bring with you. Depending on the airline you’re flying with, familiarize yourself with their carry-on rules and size allowances. This will help you to know how much you can pack.
Your bag will be weighed and sized
Ensure the weight in your carry-on is distributed evenly to avoid overweight fees. Again, read about the size and weight restrictions for your carry-on ahead of time. This will save you the hassle and money if you show up at the airport and learn you have to check your carry-on.
Arrange your outfits before you pack them
Packing can be stressful at times, especially when you’re sorting out your clothing options for the trip. Minimize that stress by simply choosing a colour theme for your trip and pack the pants, skirts and tops that match your chosen palette. A few wise choices will help you mix and match for reversible looks. And of course, accessorizing with different items can spruce up any outfit.
Roll instead of fold.
Rather than getting your best friend to sit on your suitcase as you try to zip up your bag, become a roller, not a folder. Tightly rolling your clothes will make your items more compact, meaning you can pack more in. Think about all that shopping you can do on your trip with all that additional space!
Shoes go first
Place all your shoes, boots, belts and heavier items at the bottom of your bag first. Shoes are the best compartments to put socks, belts, jewelry, or other loose items in as well.
Create your own pockets.
You can use tote bags or Ziploc bags to organize small, loose items like jewelry, chargers, underwear, etc…
You can’t bring it all
When you’re travelling with only a carry-on, it’s wise to leave a few “necessities” behind. Some hotel rooms already come furnished with hairdryers, shampoos, conditioners, etc… so it’s probably best to leave those items at home. If you’re a bookworm that travels quite frequently, think about investing in a tablet so that you can bring all your favourite reads, without the volume.
Avoid spills
Wrap your toiletries in tightly sealed bags to avoid any surprises. When travelling with just your carry-on, it’s important for you to review your airline’s allowances of all liquids, gels and aerosols so that nothing important gets left behind.
Some things were just not meant to fly.
It is helpful for you to familiarize yourself with the guidelines in the prohibited and restriction section of your airline to understand what is permitted. This will prevent the painfully embarrassing bag dump of all your items when going through security.
Review that list once more.
Sometimes you just need to ask yourself: Do I really need six pairs of shoes for an overnight getaway? Do I really need to bring my soccer trophy from grade 2? Or my favourite stuffed animal? (No, no and no). Once you’ve packed all your items, take one last look and then take something out. This will make travelling lighter and easier.
Do you have any other packing tips? Share them with us in the comment section below!
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