Have you heard of a shopping club? It’s probably not what you think

Have you heard of a shopping club? 

The first time I heard about a shopping club was quite a few years ago when one of my friends participated in one. When I had heard of it I was like…isn’t that just like shopping with a group of friends?? I thought we would be shopping for anything from bedroom furniture sale items to the latest clothing trends. But it’s not. The shopping club gets together but you don’t do any shopping. 

Why is is called a shopping club you ask? You will soon see.

First of all you need to round up a group. For the sake of the group you don’t want to invite some random person that none of the group knows, because the group requires commitment for the whole time. Not saying random people won’t/can’t commit but the accountability has to be there. 

Decide on a monthly amount you are comfortable with spending. The general consensus I have seen is $40-$60 a person per month. You will see what the money is for in just a little bit.

Once you have your group of people, each person in the group commits to hosting one shopping club night, generally the nights are once a month. However many people that you have in the club is how many months you will meet. 

The person hosting the night picks a theme for that night. Game night. 80’s. Rock’n’roll. Get drunk on wine. A swap party.  Depending on the group you can decide at the beginning if the host provides the snacks or if it is potluck. (I’d go for potluck 😉 ). I have also seen groups go out and do things…comedy night…rollerskating… It really depends on the dynamics of the group. 

During the shopping club night everyone’s name goes into a hat and the monthly amount that everyone agrees on goes into a pot. Who ever has their name drawn wins that money. So if you have a group of say 10 people at $40/person that is $400 that one person wins. The catch is that you must spend that money on yourself. That Coach purse you have been lusting after, if you win BUY IT. Going on a trip to Vegas take that money and put it on red. Love to craft, take the money to Michaels on 40% off day and go buck wild. 

When I asked my husband “Have you heard of a shopping club?” and then explained it to him…his response.. Why wouldn’t you just take $400 yourself and buy that purse? Your still spending $400 in the end, he says. Yes that is true honey, but how likely am I going to go spend $400 dollars right now? Me.. not likely and that goes for a lot of people. However, I am more likely to go to a group gathering once a month with some fine company, put my $40 in the pot, and get giddy over white wine (just saying).

Clearly this isn’t for everyone (like my husband) but it’s fun and making new friends is always nice too. Plus you are guaranteed to win that money within the amount of time the club meets because every person can only win once. (That’s why you need everyone to commit to sticking with the club)

So now I ask you.. Have you heard of a shopping club?
If not, it’s time to start your own club. Or maybe you have but you call it something different and want to share a little about it. I’m off to organize my own. 

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