I used to work at Hermès. I saw customers make the same 5 mistakes — especially when trying to get a coveted Birkin.

Tech Insider : Business
Exterior of an Hermes store with a gold design on the door and gold plaques on the storefront next to the door
I used to work at Hermès and saw customers make the same mistakes over and over again.

Cristina Arias/Getty Images

Some Amazon warehouse workers are striking. The company says it isn't affecting holiday deliveries.

Tech Insider : Business
Teamsters president Sean O'Brien appears with Amazon workers outside an Amazon facility.
Some Amazon fulfillment workers affiliated with the Teamsters will strike starting Thursday.

AP Photo/ Stefan Jeremiah

I tried on similar sweaters from Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap. One store offered an unmatched shopping experience.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A composite image of a man wearing three different black sweaters and taking a photo of himself using a phone.
I tried on similar sweaters at Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap.

Mike Vulpo

I went to Big Lots and saw why it's having trouble — even at a time when everyone is shopping for deals

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
A sign and entrance at a Big Lots store in Maryland.
This Big Lots is located in a strip mall in exurban Maryland.

Alex Bitter/Business Insider

I shopped at West Elm and Crate & Barrel for holiday decorations. One really won me over.

Tech Insider
Composite of Author Mina Lisanin smiling in front of a West Elm next to image of her at a Crate & Barrel
I looked at the holiday decorations available at a West Elm and Crate & Barrel store.

Mina Lisanin

Shoppers are ready to open their wallets this holiday season — for the right deals

Tech Insider
Holiday shopping
Consumers are willing to spend this holiday season but need good deals.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Another US wholesale favorite is bumping its membership prices

Tech Insider
BJ's tour
BJ's is planning to raise its membership fees for the first time in seven years.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

T.J. Maxx is in prime position to benefit from Trump's trade policies

Tech Insider
Women’s lingerie at TJ Maxx.
T.J. Maxx is a bargain hunters' paradise.

Danielle Bauter/Insider

If you want to buy a coveted Patek Philippe timepiece, it'll take patience and a few social skills

Tech Insider
A hand reaching toward a watch
 

Harold Cunningham/ Getty Images; iStock; Rebecca Zisser/ BI

Williams-Sonoma says rivals who lean into discounts are training shoppers to 'wait for that promotion'

Tech Insider
Shoppers in Williams-Sonoma.
Williams-Sonoma has been offering fewer discounts because they can lead customers to delay purchases, the company's CEO said.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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