Insights from My Own Shopping Experience

Yesterday, I went to La Roca Village, an outlet shopping destination located 40 minutes outside of Barcelona. I went there 2 years ago and spent more than I planned because of all the crazy deals available, so I was expecting to have the same experience this year.

Unfortunately, I ended up buying only 2 items and left the village a bit disappointed. Why? Because there were not much crazy deals available and and those that did exist were limited to a small selection of items, leaving buyers with few options.

It made me wonder: could rising inflation and increased costs be causing retail outlets to scale back on discounts to protect their margins? If so, it’s completely understandable—after all, maintaining profitability is essential for any business. However, it’s a stark reminder of how challenging times are for both consumers and retailers.

This experience also led me to think about this year’s Black Friday sales. Reports from Seller Forums suggest that many Amazon sellers are seeing declining sales, with rising fees and operating costs eating into their profits. A number of sellers have shared stories of being in the red, unable to offset the mounting costs despite the holiday season.

For anyone considering selling on Amazon in the coming year, my advice is to approach it with caution. Take the time to conduct thorough research and assess the risks carefully. Without proper due diligence, you could find yourself investing heavily with little to no return.

The retail landscape is shifting, and whether you’re a consumer or a seller, adaptability and strategic thinking have never been more critical.

Got questions? Drop a comment or send me an email.