I had an hour to kill at a mall the other weekend, so I decided to poke my head into a nearby summer bazaar and see if I could score any bargains or interesting finds while waiting. After an hour of being pushed and shoved by the bargain-hungry crowd — this was probably when I was trying to wiggle into a dress inside a makeshift dressing room — I realized that bazaar shopping requires minor planning in order to make the trip worthwhile. I took a note of the things I did wrong and came up with a shopping strategy that I will definitely use during my next bazaar visit.
Come as soon as it opens
My first mistake was dropping by the bazaar at around 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday, a peak shopping hour. The bazaar’s narrow aisles were so crowded that it was difficult for me to get a good look at the displays with so many busy bodies moving in front of me. If you really want to get some serious shopping done, it’s best to come an hour or so after the bazaar gates open. You’ll be able to peruse the items in peace, and the vendors won’t be too distracted by other customers to help you out. Additionally, being the early bird will get you the proverbial worm. Stocks will be fresh and plentiful, and you won’t have a tough time finding something you like in your size.
Wear comfy shoes
It goes without saying that bazaars will require you to walk. I thought I could survive in my 4-inch heels because I wasn’t planning to stay for long, but what do you know — one booth led me to the next and two hours later, my feet were so tired I wanted to crawl out the exit. Do yourself a favor and wear comfy flats or sandals.
Wear a dress, but skip the accessories
Most bazaar vendors only have makeshift dressing rooms within their booths — tight, cramped spaces that can make it difficult to fit multiple items. But I noticed that I have an easier time trying things on when I wear a casual dress, the kind I can pull off without having to undo any zippers, buttons, or clasps. I don’t have to remove anything when I fit shorts, skirts, or trousers, and when I do need to try on a top or a dress, it won’t take much effort to get undressed. I also advise against wearing statement necklaces and heavy accessories while bazaar shopping. It’s a hassle to keep removing them as you try things on, and trust me — you will want to remove them. Flashy accessories tend to distract you from evaluating the top or dress you’re trying on.
Bring the essentials
With all those shopping bags in your hand, the last thing you need to lug around is a heavy purse filled with stuff. And the other last thing you need is to be paranoid about someone stealing your gadgets as you navigate the crowd. Stick to the essentials — your wallet, a shopping bag, cellphone and the bare-bones version of your kikay kit (pressed powder, lipstick or lip gloss and blotting paper).