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What is a Shopping Spree?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

A shopping spree denotes a playful and “devil may care” attitude in a single shopping trip where lots of money is spent. A spree can be defined as a carefree or pleasant outing, in the pursuit of purchasing goods. Often, the term is used in a derogatory sense, to comment on the excess spending of either individuals or companies. For example, it was used in a 2003 headline to refer to three German teenagers who managed to spend about €130 million (approximately $166 million US dollars (USD)) in slightly less than two hours, using stolen credit cards. Airplanes and works of art were among their purchases.

In this sense, the spree obviously resulted in arrests and, though it may have been carefree, it certainly could not be defined as pleasant for the people who's money was stolen. A more traditional shopping spree might take place when someone needs to purchase many things at once, as for shopping for holidays. People with extensive means might certainly spend a great deal of money on gifts.

Excessive shopping happens often during the holidays.
Excessive shopping happens often during the holidays.

On programs that detail the lives of celebrities, information is sometimes given about celebrity shopping sprees that result in tens of thousands of dollars being spent in a matter of minutes. For most people, such a shopping trip is well outside normal income limits. In fact, spending excessive amounts of money that one really doesn’t have is more the act of a compulsive shopper. Where money and time are available, however, a trip to the stores to buy items that are not strictly necessary can be good fun.

Shopping sprees can be done online.
Shopping sprees can be done online.

This has, unfortunately, been capitalized on by Internet and telemarketing scammers. Internet sites may offer a gift card worth several hundred dollars in exchange for a small payment or personal information. The card turns out to be worthless or is never sent. Instead the person loses their money or has their identity, bank account, or credit card numbers stolen. These types of scams can result in people losing thousands of US dollars.

Shopping sprees may include buying clothing.
Shopping sprees may include buying clothing.

In 2006, the US Federal Trade Commission was able to freeze accounts of many of the perpetrators. Because people enjoy the occasional shopping spree, many fall victim to such scams. Scammers capitalized on the consumer’s desire to shop carefree, and many are still trying to recoup their losses.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon985925

Well, Black Friday is a good example.

anon193446

My shopping sprees are always cheap. For example, today i wanted to go shopping. I was sure that i would spend too much money. But i only spent 35 euros and bought two pairs of jeans and one shirt.

You can do a shopping spree and do it cheap. You just have to carefully choose where you shop.

anon125439

I personally am a woman and hate shopping I buy what I need and get out. As far as feel good stuff goes I do meditation, yoga, and good music always soothes the soul.

regin24

i absolutely hate shopping. A shopping spree is a waste of money as many unnecessary items are bought.

anon76898

I'm the same as the guy above.

kasen

Unfortunately, when I'm feeling depressed I tend to spree shop. It always makes me feel better while I'm doing it, then depressing me afterwards when I realize how much money I've spent.

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    • Excessive shopping happens often during the holidays.
      By: Odua Images
      Excessive shopping happens often during the holidays.
    • Shopping sprees can be done online.
      By: bloomua
      Shopping sprees can be done online.
    • Shopping sprees may include buying clothing.
      By: adisa
      Shopping sprees may include buying clothing.
    • Seniors who have more free time might go on a shopping spree.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Seniors who have more free time might go on a shopping spree.
    • Women may schedule a shopping spree with their girlfriends as a social event.
      By: nyul
      Women may schedule a shopping spree with their girlfriends as a social event.