Semana Santa

Holy Week is a week in which all the retailers expect to be a big one. Since it is one of the major holidays it has always been a week that has most retailers prepare for the most traffic. It is always this time of year that we, as Laredoans, tend to avoid the mall for fear of being trampled. However, to those who do not live here, it is a time to rush and grab the gifts you need at the prices they want. So many specials are always going on during this week and so many people come from far away just to partake in its festivities.  We can be sure to expect the streets to be jam packed with traffic and all of them leading towards the mall.

Yet, if you wish to avoid the crowds and stay on top of the merchandise, then from one shopper to another, here are some tips to help get you through Semana Santa in one piece.

1. One tip would be to get to the mall early. Most of the stores will have packed out the merchandise the night before and with that you now have everything at your fingertips. Most people think that if they go during the evening there will not be much of a rush. However, I beg to differ, there is pretty much most of the time a rush during the evening hours from 6 PM to 10PM. However, during the morning from the hours of 9 AM to 12 PM, the rush is not so bad. Most people feel that the morning people are waiting for the store to open and rush in. However, most people tend to think the same and avoid going to the mall early. With that notion, there should not be much of a crowd.
2. So if you want to get a heads up trying to going in the morning. Another plus to getting there early would be the parking. It is always a never ending battle to find parking at the mall during Semana Santa, but if you're there early you have the parking lot all to yourself.  
3. Another tip would be, for those using coupons, to check and make sure that your coupon is still valid. For those with smart phones, it is not prudent to show the coupon on your phone. While most stores are doing this, it is still just as safe to take your coupon.  Most stores simply cannot accept the coupon unless it is physically there. The serial number may be there, but the store must take in an inventory of how coupons are being used in that day.
4. Lastly, another tip would be not to be afraid to ask for help. The associates are there to help you and will be more than happy to assist you in whatever you need.