10 Top Christmas Shopping Tips from NE1

Granted, shopping at Christmas isn’t always plain sailing. The thought of being subjected to crowds and queues doesn’t really compare to that of lounging by the fire, watching The Grinch on repeat.

But long gone are the days of tapping away at a screen, ordering presents on a whim… and then promptly sending them back – where’s the fun in that?!

Alive after Five has introduced longer shopping hours, as well as free parking, in the city centre, which simply means more flexibility and less stress when it comes to Christmas shopping.

Now, we can get our shopping done after a long day at the office, when town will be quieter and... working 9 to 5 is certainly a way to make a living but we want to live for the week, not just the weekend!

‘But what are the Christmas opening times?’ we hear you fervently ask. Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that from, 24th November, intu Eldon Square will stay open until 9pm during the week.

So, peel yourself off the sofa and grab your shopping bags because there’s no excuse not to do your Christmas shopping in Newcastle this festive season!

And if you really want to be efficient this year, follow NE1’s top tips for getting the most from your Christmas shopping.

1.Go early…or late

The old wisdom still rings true, IF you can make it to the shops for 9am on the button, there will be fewer people there, BUT there’s an new option in town now…go late.

Yep, it may seem counter intuitive but now that intu Eldon Square and many shops are open until 9pm you can attack your shopping after work, and watch as the crowds dwindle away, making it more and more spacious for you and your many bags! We recommend a bite to eat after work before tackling the bulk between 7pm and 9pm.

2.Fuel up

Never shop on an empty stomach! Low blood sugar makes us cranky, which means we’re less likely to make rational purchases. If you’re heading out in the morning, fill up on some porridge or a loaded bagel, or settle down for brunch at any of the amazing cafes in town. If you’re shopping after work, it might call for your fifth coffee of the day and a delicious sweet treat from the Brownie Bar or Krispy Kreme for a real sugar high! OR you can relax and unwind after work over dinner, then head for the shops full and content.

3.Dress to impress

Wrap up warm this winter but layer up to avoid over-heating the second you step inside. We recommend a jumper under your jacket and a scarf to keep you snug. Fingerless gloves are ideal for stealthy shoppers who want to keep their paws cosy but their digits free for tapping that keypad.

You’re more likely to make irrational purchases if you’re feeling insecure, so opt for style when hitting the shops this Christmas, as well as comfort!

4.Plan ahead

Before hitting the shops, take a minute to note some ideas and thoughts down:

Who are you buying for?

What do they like?

What do you want to buy them?

Where can you get it from?

Have an idea of the kind of shops you’re aiming for and see if they’re offering any discounts.

If the crowds put you off, aim for the shops between 6pm and 9pm. You’re much more likely to be in a better mood when able to breathe and will therefore make better shopping choices.

Take a couple of bags with you.

5.Go solo

You mightn’t realise it but your friend’s shopping choices are more than likely to throw you off track. Stay in the zone by venturing out solo and eluding the influence of others.

You’ll find that you get your Christmas shopping done much faster if you’re on your one!

6.Tune in

Christmas music makes us nostalgic and so we’re more likely to grab those presents we look at with disdain when we get home. We’re drawn in to the festive spirit with Christmas music blasting from shop speakers and therefore more likely to splash the cash on something we’ll later regret. Prepare a playlist that will keep you in the zone. We recommend songs with rpm above the average resting heart rate to keep you energised. Jingle what?

7.Start small

Don’t go straight in for the big purchase. Warm up with some little gifts to ease into it. This also means carrying fewer bulky bags and heavy items, genius!

8.Pay with cash

You might have noticed that card payments can often seem, well easy. Especially now you can tap and go! Stop off at an ATM to get some cash out. You’re less likely to make big purchases when you can see the paper changing hands.

9.Skip the queues

Don’t be a sheep by queueing at the tills on the ground floor. Find the quieter areas, such as the kidswear and homeware departments, where the queues are likely to be a lot smaller. This also cuts down on time spent next to those ever so attractive impulse buys right next to the tills, handy!

10.Wind down

Shop ‘til you drop, then top off the day with a meal and maybe even a cocktail or two at one of the incredible restaurants located in the city centre, such as Chaophraya, George’s Great British Kitchen or Red’s True Barbecue, which have all recently opened in the lavish new Grey’s Quarter. Many of these restaurants offer set menus during the week, or food and drink offers

Alternatively, there’s plenty of street food on offer at the International Christmas Market (until 11th December), as well as Grainger Market, which is staying open until 9pm for the very first time on 1st December. And if you have time, Hadrian’s Tipi is a must-visit this winter!

Make the most of your time this Christmas and take advantage of late night shopping hours across Newcastle, it’s sure to make your shopping more fun and less stressful. Plus don’t forget, if you’re driving in, Alive after Five offers free car parking after 5pm, grab a list of the participating car parks at https://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/city-info/alive-after-five