Always avoided pushing scrambling madness of crowds waiting for the sales, shows and other events..... Bought the things only when I needed them,and whatever the price.... and bought items in the sales when the mad scrambling was over. Managed to find what I needed.
My favourite shops, were charity shops. Found bargains of clothing still with shop tickets on....and new shoes still in the boxes....Travelled first class. It was worth the extra pennies....
Never used public toilets...Used to go in best restaurants, have tea and a scone and use well cleaned WCs. Avoid crowds like the plague
gmx