‘Common courtesy’: Do’s and don’ts of Christmas shopping

The all too familiar stress of finding the perfect gift is here, with Australians set to spend about $70bn as they descend on shopping centres across the country this festive season.

Aussies are expected to fork out $11m on gifts alone and another $28bn on food these holidays according to the Australian Retailers Association.

Shopping centres will no doubt be filled to the brim with people over the next couple days as Christmas Day rushes closer.

Lines outside the doors of shops, needing to follow fellow shoppers to cars to secure a parking spot, the sight of cars parked along nature strips at the back of centres because there are simply no spaces – the season is well and truly upon us.

To help ensure the shopping experience runs smoothly for all those involved, Australian School of Etiquette director Zarife Harvey has revealed her top Christmas shopping tips.

DROPPING BAGS OFF AT THE CAR

Ms Harvey recommended reconsidering a trip to the car to drop one or two small bags off mid-shop.

“Be mindful that there are a lot of people waiting for carparks,” Ms Harvey said.

“I would say if you don’t have to (make a trip to the car), don’t.

“But the other side of that is if your arms are turning blue from the weight of everything you’re carrying, then yes, you’re going to have to go put it in your car.”

NAVIGATING PRAMS

“Sometimes people that push prams almost think they own the whole aisle,” Ms Harvey said.

“If you’re someone that’s pushing a pram, try to just keep it to the left so people can still easily go past, not angling that pram so that it’s blocking off an aisle.”

TROLLEY ETIQUETTE

Ms Harvey echoed the same sentiment when it came to trolleys and urged shoppers to keep them to the side and return trolleys after use.

“I mean, honestly, it’s rude and it’s mean to not be able to take 20 or 30 steps to put the trolley back in the bay,” she said.

“It’s not just disrespectful … sometimes they roll and dint people’s cars. No one wants to come back and see that.

“Just (take a) minute to go and put your trolley back.”

PAYING UP

Having your cash or card out and ready to go when you get to the counter is another of Ms Harvey’s tips.

“(It) makes the whole flow of the process more smooth,” she said.

KEEP TO THE LEFT, SINGLE FILE

Shoppers should remember to keep left and walk single file where possible.

“Obviously, here in Australia try and keep yourself to the left,” Ms Harvey said.

“If you’re shopping with a group of friends, don’t walk three in a line, try and go single file.

“If you want to stop and have that quick chat with someone, really try and step to the side so people can still have that easy flow.

“Same with the escalators, I find it very frustrating when people stand together — you can still talk to each other when you’re in front and behind.”

COMMON COURTESY

Ms Harvey said having common courtesy was another important thing for shoppers to keep in mind during the busy festive season.

“Just holding the door open for people, little things like that, just being courteous,” she said.

She said a simple apology could also go a long way.

“If you bump into somebody, your bag hits them – don’t forget just to offer an apology. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it’,” she said.

CHANGE ROOMS AREN’T A ‘DUMPING GROUND’

“Courtesy around change rooms – don’t just leave it like a dumping ground and leave everything in there,” Ms Harvey said.

“Just little things that are going to help with the flow of crazy Christmas shopping.”

PLEASE AND THANKYOU

Ms Harvey issued the simple reminder to use manners in all shopping exchanges.

“The person that’s serving you, just be nice to them, ask them how they’re going,” she said.

“Maybe they’re not giving you big smiles … just ‘How are you going?’

“Pleases and thankyous also go a long way.”

OPERATING HOURS

Most retail and hospitality workers have been stopped in their tracks at some point while trying to close the doors by the promise of “I’m only grabbing one thing” and “I’ll only be a minute, the gift is for tomorrow!”

Respecting opening and closing hours may seem obvious; however, Australian Retailers Association chief industry affairs officer Fleur Brown encouraged shoppers to do their research.

“We encourage shoppers to plan ahead by not leaving gift shopping to the last minute, to research online, and to respect retail opening and closing hours,” she said.

WELLWISHES

Finally, Ms Harvey said it didn’t hurt to finish an exchange with a classic wellwish.

“Wish people a merry Christmas. ‘Thanks, have a great Christmas’,” Ms Harvey said.

“It’s that time of year and we only get it for about two or three weeks.”

She said wishing people a Happy New Year was another option for those who didn’t want to wish people a merry Christmas.

“It’s just a lovely thing to add into our vocabulary this time of year, just to wish people well.”