Black Friday Tips

For the 3rd year in a row, I’m posting (and re posting  some Black Friday tips)…and for the 30th year in a row, I will NOT be shopping on Good Friday.  I shall put up my Christmas decorations, get a mani/pedi with Meredith, force the kids (and Murph) into a festive holiday pose for the Christmas card, take Kevin to the airport, enjoy some fine wine, and thank the heavens that I am not in the Malls…and will be looking forward to Cyber Monday!!

After perusing the internet for many hours, these are the 3 sites I found with the best tips…some tips are duplicates but I thought I’d just post their entire list of tips…You can pick and choose the ones that work for you…like I shall pick the one that says I will stay in my jammies.

These tips come from the Atlanta Journal Constitution
1. Start your research online. Deckard suggests signing up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers now so you’ll be privy to the types of sales they’ll be offering on Black Friday. “When you’re on the retailer emails, you’ll learn about the sales and deals before the rest of the public,” she said. “This gives you a little more time to plan your strategy.
2. Make a strategic plan. It’s important to know which stores you want to visit ahead of time, as well as what items you want to purchase at each store. “This will ensure you are focusing on things you actually need, and saving the most,” Deckard said. “Savings Lifestyle even has a Black Friday price database that you can search quickly to find the best price on all Black Friday sale items as you create a shopping list.”
3. Scope the store out ahead of time. Deckard suggests doing a run-through of the stores you plan to visit on Black Friday before the day actually arrives. “Walk through and find the special Black Friday display sections for the items you want to purchase. Many times people make a mad dash for these areas because the most inventory is placed there. Don’t forget to check where the merchandise normally resides in the store, as well.”
4. Conduct price comparison searches. While Black Friday historically has the best prices, consider doing a quick online search to see if you can find the item priced the same, or lower, than the Black Friday sale price being offered. “Knowing who has the best price will help you determine if the trip out is worth it,” says Deckard. Similarly, when considering what you’d like to actually purchase on Black Friday, think about the items that are offering the biggest potential savings and get to those first. “Would you rather save $100 on a gaming system, or $20 on the blender,” says Deckard. “Only spend your time in line, and online, waiting to get those items that can help you save the most.”
5. Don’t forget online shopping. “I’m a big online Black Friday shopper,” says Deckard. “Several years ago we contemplated going out for one of the door busters on Black Friday, but when we passed the store at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the line was already entirely too long. I was willing to give up the $200 savings to not camp out the night before.” It’s important to consider the value of your time over money when it comes to these deals as well, and shopping online can be an excellent alternative to going in-person. Plus, as an added bonus, Savings.com can help you find exclusive coupon codes for retailers, so you can save even more.
6. Stock up on discount gift cards ahead of time. If you know you’d like to shop at certain stores this season, consider purchasing discounted gift cards in advance from places like eBay Auctions, Plastic Jungle and Gift Card Rescue. Sites like these allow you to purchase the gift cards at anywhere from 5%-25% off the value of the card. Just check ahead of time that you can use the card on already on-sale items before planning to use them all up on Black Friday.

These tips come from Hip2Save, which is a great website for saving money everyday…Not only on  Black Friday!

(1) Be prepared. Before you head out to the store, research the Black Friday ads (which I will be posting as the become available) and outline exactly what you would like to purchase. And to be extra prepared, you can even research the layout of your store, so you’ll know exactly where to head to grab the items on your list.

(2) Be ready to stand in line for quite a long time. Wear comfy shoes and appropriate outerwear and consider leaving the kiddos at home (if this is not possible, bring toys or other items to keep them entertained while shopping).

(3) Know your store’s hours (some stores are opening on Thanksgiving night while others are waiting until the wee hours of Friday morning). Again, I will be posting store-specific information in the coming days.

(4) Familiarize yourself with each store’s price matching and/or coupon policy. Keep in mind that many stores have created special price matching policies specific for Black Friday.

(5) Make a list! This will keep you focused and will definitely help to prevent you from being tempted to purchase additional items that are not on the list.

(6) Remember to ask yourself whether the great deal you see is actually a great deal for you. Check out this post for more on this topic. You may also want to research online prices versus in-store prices, as you can often snag better deals online even when you factor in shipping costs. Plus, think about the time and gas saved when shopping online! Love that!

(7) Keep those receipts! After the adrenaline rush is over, you may realize that you got caught up in the Black Friday craziness and purchased items that you really do not want. As long as you have the receipt, you should be able to return them and get a full refund.

(8) Go with your mom, sister, or a friend. Plan ahead and plan to split up so you can snag items for each other. It’s the only way I’ve figured out to help you be in two places at once! If you don’t want to go to separate stores, you can each start out on separate ends of the same store and meet in the middle after you’ve snatched up as many of the things on your (and each other’s) lists as you could along the way.

(9) Gas up the night before so you don’t waste precious sleep OR shopping time at the pump. Also, map out your route based on store opening times to minimize backtracking and missing out on door buster items you’re planning to purchase.

(10) Don’t give up! If the item you are looking for is not on the shelf or display, check the front of the store where other shoppers may have left items they weren’t sure about before checking out. Or, check with your cashier to see if someone happened to change their mind at the register and leave the item you were looking for there.

(11) Be friendly. You will be amazed at how people will help each other, even in the craziness, if they are approached with kindness.

(12 ) And my favorite tip of all… skip Black Friday and shop Cyber Monday instead! There is nothing better than snagging *HOT* deals from the comfort of your own home in your favorite PJ’s!  This is Terry’s #1 Favorite Tip as well!

And the Third site I went to, and found some snappy tips:

http://www.creativeprincessbrandi.com

1.) Start NOW! It actually is NOT too early to start shopping, it isn’t too late either. Did you know you DO NOT have to get up at 3am to get the best deals on your must have items? It may be beneficial to you to keep a list of items people want/need and shop for them all year. This will allow you to get THE BEST deal!

2.) Add Items to Your Cart NOW! I just got word that Kohl’s will offer their deals online starting at 12:01am WEDNESDAY November 21st!  That is two days before the in-store sale starts! Amazon is also one that starts their sale early. They actually have a week long BF sale!  If you see something on a site that you just can’t live without or you think someone would LOVE, put it in your cart NOW! This way, when the BF sale goes live you can get it before it’s gone!

3.) Avoid the Crowds This pretty much goes with #2. Most stores put their sales live online before the sale goes live in store. This allows you to get exactly what you want, at home, stress free, in your jammies!

4.) Earn Money While You Shop! Shop through a site such as Swagbucks, Ebates or any other “extra deal” sites. You will receive a percentage back on your purchases when shopping through these sites, this allowing you to put some extra $$ in your pocket!

5.) Sign up for Swagbucks! Since we are on the subject, sign up for Swagbucks.com! Use them EVERY TIME you search for something! I also use them anytime I go to ANY site, even if I have been to that site a million times.  Want to check in on Facebook? Search Facebook on Swagbucks first! Why? Because you can earn points when you search! You can then turn those points into all kinds of things, my favorite is Amazon gift cards. There are also a ton of other ways to earn points while you are on Swagbucks. I paid for nearly all of our Christmas last year with the Amazon Cards I earned!

6.) Follow Black Friday Sites! Want to see the Black Friday ads early? Maybe you want to be among the first to know when stores offer special deals? My favorite sites are Black Friday at GottaDeal.comand BFAds.net. Be sure to follow them on Facebook as well!

7.) Set Google Alerts! If there is an item that you just HAVE to HAVE set up a Google Alert for it and be alerted when it goes on sale!8.) Use Coupons! Unless specifically stated you CAN use coupons/coupon codes!  In fact, a LOT stores put coupons out specifically for Black Friday! Some stores even allow you to stack your coupons for this day ONLY! At Bath and Body Works a few years ago we found about 6 coupons that we were able to stack and save TONS of money!  It was seriously a ridiculous amount that we saved. Last year I noticed they changed their policy and did not have near as many coupons out. Use sites such as RetailMeNot.com to check for online coupons codes!9.) Get Free Shipping! You can sign up for a 30 Day Trial at FreeShipping.com! If you plan to shop online I would sign up here, work it to where you are covered for the entire holiday season by waiting just a few days before Black Friday to sign up! You can also sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime and receive FREE two day shipping for a month! At the end of your trial you are able to purchase Prime for a year for $79. However! You can split this with up to 5 people! That’s just over $15 each for the year! If you use Amazon a lot, that is totally worth it! Plus, you get other benefits with your membership…not just free shipping.10.) Get the Lowest Price! Isn’t that what it is all about? If you are shopping online you can use sites such as PriceGrabber.com

 to make sure you are getting the lowest available price

BLACK FRIDAY STORE OPENING HOURS 

Store	Thanksgiving Hours*	Black Friday Hours
AAFES Exchange		4am
Academy Sports		5am-10pm
AC Moore		5am
Bass Pro Shop		5am-11am
Bealls Florida		12am
Belk		12am-10pm
Big Lots	7am-9pm	6am-11am
Blain’s Farm & Fleet		6am
BJ’s		7am
Best Buy		12am
Bon Ton		12am
Cabela’s		12am
CompUSA		5am
Costco		9am
CVS Pharmacy	varies by location	varies by location
Dell		5am
Dick’s Sporting Goods		12am
Disney Store		12am
Dollar General	7am-6pm	7am
Electronics Expo		7am-9pm
Express		12am (select stores only)
Family Dollar	8am-5pm	8am
Fred’s Meyer		5am-11am
Fred’s Super Dollar		5am
Gander Mountain	9am-12am	6am-10pm
Goody’s	8pm-12am	6am
Gordmans		5am
Half Price Books		7am
Harbor Freight		7am
hhgregg	10pm-12am	12am
Home Depot		5am
JC Penney		6am-11pm
JoAnn		6am
Kohl’s		12am
Lowe’s	6am-4pm	11:59pm
Kmart	6am-4pm; 8pm-12am	12am-3am; 5am-11pm
Land’s End (Online)	5am	5am
MacMall	Online	12am-2am, 5am-9pm
Macy’s		12am
Meijer		6am
Michaels	4pm-11pm	7am-10pm
Modell’s		12am-3pm
Music & Arts		8am
Northern Tool		6am
Office Depot		5am
OfficeMax		6am
Old Navy	varies by location	12am
Olympia Sports		5am
Palais Royal	8pm-12am	6am
Peebles	8pm-12am	6am
PepBoys		Varies by store
RadioShack		6am
Rite Aid		7am
Rural King	7am-8pm	6am-9pm
Sam’s Club		7am
Sears	8pm-12am	12am-10pm
Sears Hometown Stores	8pm-12am	12am
Sears Outlet	8pm-12am	12am
Shopko	9pm-12am	12am-11pm
Sportsman’s Warehouse		6am
Stage	8pm-12am	6am
Staples		5am
Stein Mart		7am
Tanger Outlets	10pm-12am	12am
Target	9pm-12am	12am-11pm
TigerDirect.com	Online	Online
Toys R Us	8pm-12am	12am
Walgreens	9am-6pm	to be announced
Walmart	8pm-12am	12am

*If no store hours listed, store closed on Thanksgiving Day.

And one more reason to love Nordstrom…they won’t be Decking their Halls till Black Friday.

And, if you’d like to revisit my last 2 years of Black Friday posts…for your viewing pleasure!

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/11/25/black-friday/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/black-friday-part-deux/

Happy Shopping.  Be Safe.  Please mind your manners.

And to one of my most loyal blog followers…Happy Birthday LAP!!

May you and yours have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

xoxo,

T.

Black Friday…Part Deux!

In lieu of reposting last year’s Black Friday blog (which is still quite timely a year later…sans the store hours, which I’ve updated here), I decided to share some more black friday shopping tips, but will add a link to last year’s blog, at the end of this blog.    And like every other year, I shall forego Black Friday shopping, because I’d much rather be at home finishing putting up the Christmas tree (which, is the Most stressful thing our family does each year…so that should tell you volumes about my feelings on Black Friday…and I like to buy things!).

Before I launch into Black Friday info…I want to give a Hearty Round of Applause to Nordstrom, for recognizing that Thanksgiving is also a Holiday, to be enjoyed by families, and they won’t deck their halls until Black Friday!

Love that, and Love Nordstrom!

And one last thought regarding Holiday/Christmas Music…Radio stations who start playing holiday tunes before Thanksgiving, drive me Nuts!  Christmas decorations and ads before Thanksgiving, unnecessarily rush the public, and should be banned.    And I’m a girl who has basically Always had my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving (this year is an exception to that, sadly).  My friend Darlene said her husband and son declared that No Christmas music can be played in their car until December 1st.  Well done Mike and Wilson!

And my friend Nancy, and Black Friday aficionado, reminded me of these tips for those who choose to shop on Friday:  Remember to hydrate!!!  Have a bottle of water in that crossbody bag as those stores are very dry and one needs to keep their strength up and not wilt away!!  And only take what is absolutely necessary in that crossbody bag.  I don’t think ya really need all the make-up, etc. …. As you must have room for your coupons and flyers!!

OK…Onto Black Friday and tips that I have found:

Black Friday, the name for the day after Thanksgiving. It is named this way because it is supposed to be the day where companies move from deficits to profits for the year, i.e. in a checkbook, going from the red to the black.  Although according to Urban Dictionary,” Black Friday  should be renamed “black eye friday” due to the fact that thousands of americans forget the spirit of the holiday season by trampling ppl and giving black eyes while buying stupid gifts that you didn’t even mean to buy from stores who purposely hold sales the same day as everybody else.”

Consumer World offers these words of wisdom:

With the best bargain shopping day of the year nearly here (Nov. 25), shoppers are being encouraged to start their homework now on products and prices to spot the real deals, and adjust their shopping schedule to the reality of Black Friday’s new store hours.

“With many stores opening at midnight but others not until 4am, shoppers may have to choose one or the other or give up a night’s sleep,” said Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org, a non-commercial consumer resource guide. “A shopping day originally for early birds is now becoming one for night owls.” Shoppers are being advised to also check retailers’ sites for web-only deals on Nov. 24-28, and to consider the pre- and post-Black Friday sales, like Cyber Monday and Thanksgiving Day itself.

1. Read the Ads:Check local newspapers on Thanksgiving Day. They will be chock-full of circulars and last-minute deals. Friday’s papers will include additional sales. Get on retailers’ email lists, and look for deals and coupons listed on their Facebook pages. Preview the Black Friday sale circulars now at bfads.net, and get a list of sale items at all stores combined by category, like all GPSes, at blackfriday.gottadeal.com.

2. Evaluate the Deals: Not all advertised items are great deals. To separate the ho-hum from the good deals, use several of Consumer World’s pricing tools, such as the Price Checker  at ConsumerWorld.org (to compare prices at many online stores instantly), DealAlerter.com   (to get notified when an item’s price drops) and PriceHistories.com  (to compare today’s price for an item to what was charged over the past six months). If shopping online, find out the total price including shipping and tax (if any), and what the reputation of the seller is using BizRate.com or ResellerRatings.com .

3. Research the Right Product:A low price on a lousy product is no bargain. Check websites where professionals evaluate products, such as Consumer Reports, Steves-Digicams.com (for cameras), Ecoustics.com (TV/hi-fi equipment), PCMagazine.com (computers), best/worst toy lists, etc. Also, nothing beats reading customer reviews by real owners of the products you are thinking of buying. Check Epinions.com, and read the user comments posted after most product descriptions at Amazon.com.

4. Save with “Triple Plays”:To save the most, combine the primary ways to save: buy items at a good sale price, use percent-off/dollars-off coupons offered by some stores to lower that price even more, and look for items that also have a cash back rebate.

5. Be an Early Bird:Toys-R-Us and Wal-mart open some stores at 9pm and 10pm respectively on Thanksgiving (but W-M electronics @midnight); Target, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Macy’s open at midnight. Sears, JC Penney open at 4am, Lowe’s at 5am, and Staples at a sane 6am. Plot your route from store to store based on store opening times, and since quantities of the hottest deals are very limited, arrive before the doors open. Send family members to different stores if opening times conflict.

6. Beat the Early Birds:Stores like Sears have been running pre-Black Friday sales on weekends, with better than Black Friday prices on some items. To plan for the real Black Friday, scope-out key retailers on Wednesday before Thanksgiving to learn each store’s floor plan in advance. Avoid the crowds by ordering online since some Black Friday deals may be available on Thanksgiving Day or Friday starting at midnight. But, stores are not generally good about indicating which items will also be available online.

7. Check the Return Policy:Before buying, find out the store’s return policy. While many stores have extended their return deadlines into January, others are clamping down by imposing restocking fees on certain categories of items, or by using a blacklisting database or returns tracking system to deny refunds to returns abusers.

8. Get a Gift Receipt:Make returns easier for gift recipients by asking the store for a gift receipt and include it in the gift box. Without a receipt, a refund may be denied outright, or may be limited to only an equal exchange, or to a merchandise credit for the lowest price the item has sold for in the recent past.

9. Use the Right Credit Card:Certain credit cards offer valuable free benefits. For example, don’t be pressured into buying a service contract when you can get up to an extra year of warranty coverage free just by using most gold or platinum credit cards. Ask your credit card issuer what length warranties qualify for an extra year of coverage, if any. Some credit cards also offer a return protection guarantee (they will refund the purchase price within 90 days if the store will not), or a sale price guarantee (they will give you back the difference if an item goes on sale within 60 days of purchase).

10. Save More with Price Guarantees: The bargain shopping process does not end with a product purchase. Keep checking the prices of the items you bought. Since many stores offer a price protection guarantee, you may be entitled to get back some additional money if the seller or a competitor offers a lower price before Christmas

Source:  (Consumerworld.com)

OPENing early
Many retailers are opening earlier this year to kick off Black Friday specials. Here is a list of some store openings:
Thanksgiving Day
9 p.m.
ToysRUs
10 p.m.
Wal-mart (stores will be open Thanksgiving, with some Black Friday promotions set to launch at 10 p.m)

Black Friday Early Store Openings
Midnight stores openings
Banana Republic*
Best Buy
Disney*
Gap*
Macy’s
Kohl’s
Old Navy*
Target
* Not all locations opening at midnight. Call location for specific Black Friday hours.

4 a.m.
JC Penney
Sears

5 a.m. Kmart

Store Name	Sale Starts	Sale Ends
Toys R Us Toy Book	10/30 12:00 AM	12/24 11:59 PM
Kmart Toy Book	10/30 12:00 AM	11/23 11:59 PM
Sears Toy Book	11/1 12:00 AM	11/23 12:00 AM
Lowe’s Early Sale	11/9 12:00 AM
RadioShack	11/10 6:30 AM
Sears Family & Friends	11/13 6:00 PM	11/13 9:00 PM
Kmart TG	11/24 12:00 AM	11/24 11:59 PM
Bass Pro Shops	11/24 12:00 AM
Express	11/24 12:00 AM
Meijer TG	11/24 6:00 AM
Rite Aid	11/24 7:00 AM	11/5 11:59 PM
Michaels	11/24 4:00 PM	11/26 9:30 PM
Toys R Us	11/24 9:00 PM	11/25 1:00 PM
Harbor Freight	11/25 12:00 AM	11/27 12:00 AM
Ace Hardware	11/25 12:00 AM	11/27 12:00 AM
hhgregg	11/25 12:00 AM
Bealls	11/25 12:00 AM	11/25 10:00 PM
Kohl’s	11/25 12:00 AM
Shopko	11/25 12:00 AM	11/25 12:00 PM
Sears	11/25 4:00 AM
AAFES	11/25 4:00 AM
JCPenney	11/25 4:00 AM
Navy Exchange	11/25 4:00 AM	11/25 12:00 PM
Meijer	11/25 4:00 AM	11/24 12:00 PM
Marine Corps Exchange	11/25 5:00 AM	11/25 11:00 AM
Gordmans	11/25 5:00 AM	11/25 1:00 PM
Modells	11/25 5:00 AM	11/25 3:00 PM
Sports Authority	11/25 5:00 AM
Sam’s Club	11/25 5:00 AM
Kmart	11/25 5:00 AM
PepBoys	11/25 6:00 AM
Joann Fabrics	11/25 6:00 AM
Tractor Supply	11/25 6:00 AM
Office Depot	11/25 6:00 AM
BJ’s Wholesale	11/25 7:00 AM	11/27 12:00 AM
Half Price Books	11/25 7:00 AM

Black Friday Etiquette

Tips from www.consumerqueen.com

• Never stand in line only to have 10 of your closest friends and relative show up to cut in line at the last-minute. Many people get up early to get inline and get the items they need. They can get up early and wait in line just like the rest of them
• Don’t be greedy and take more than your fair share. Remember there are other people who are trying to afford Christmas for their kids too.
• Pushing, shoving and running someone over is not worth saving $10.  Be considerate of those around you.
• Don’t Bang on the door before the store opens. There is usually a sign with a time to open and unless your GOD you will just have to wait.
• Don’t take up more than 1 parking space and don’t park in handicapped parking if you’re not handicapped. Being handicapped in the brain does not qualify LOL.( meaning you think your special)
• PLEASE leave your kids at home. This is not a time to be shopping with your kids. You certainly don’t want them getting lots, hurt or find them tearing up the store in the mass chaos.
• Please be nice to your cashier and always say please and thank you.

Black Friday Apps – google black friday apps, and you will find tons…just look for the one that best suits your needs, if they’re not listed here.

TGI Black Friday - Called “the crown jewel of Black Friday apps,” TGI Black Friday compiles all the Black Friday deals into one place so you can comparison shop. Users can view ads from most major retailers, as well as sign up for push notifications of new ads as they come along. Did I mention that the app is free?

Snaptell -  With SnapTell on your iPhone, you can take a picture of a Book, DVD, CD and Video game etc. Use that picture to find online prices for that product. Pretty cool when you are in store and not sure if you are getting a best deal. So now with SnapTell you can find that out. Surprisingly, it doesn’t yet work for other products.

Lemon Receipts -  The app pitches itself largely as an organizational tool. Take a picture of your receipts using your smart phone, and Lemon will turn them into digitized copies that can be retrieved and printed as needed.  Not only will you be able to easily find receipts you need, you can also keep track of what you are spending. (Lemon will even generate bar graphs of where your money’s going.)

Fast Mall - FastMall can be used to find, then be guided (turn-by-turn) to restrooms, stores and restaurants. You can also navigate almost any shopping mall without the need for GPS or WIFI. Once you download any mall map you can get interactive navigation even without an Internet signal.  FastMall can be used to remember where you parked your car, share items that you discover, and even check in at the mall or your favorite store. You can even shake your iPhone to locate and then be taken to the nearest restroom. Good stuff.

Other Black Friday Websites:

http://bfads.net/

http://www.theblackfriday.com/

http://www.blackfriday.info/

http://www.2011blackfridayads.com/

“She had on good authority that Santa preferred champagne and cupcakes.”

Merry Shopping!  And when you are done Black Friday shopping, sit back at your computer and take 5 minutes to watch this clip.  Eveverything’s Amazing, and No One is Happy!  Thanks LAP for sharing!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

xoxo,

T.

One last thought…Jay Cutler no longer needs a Life Coach (and he truly doesn’t as he was totally into his groove and was acting and playing like the Leader of the Bears)…he needs a world-class Orthopaedic Surgeon!  Hoping all goes well with his thumb surgery! xo

Related Posts:  http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/11/25/black-friday/

Black Friday!

Shopping is a woman thing.  It’s a contact sport like football.  Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase.  ~Erma Bombeck

As readers of my blog can attest, I don’t partake in Black Friday.  I do not like crowds, prefer not to wake at 2AM the day after Thanksgiving, really enjoy internet shopping, and quite frankly, I value my life…That being said, many people do, so a friend shared a Black Friday website, with tips from “Brad”, and I thought I’d share these with my blogging followers.  Now, these tips are not from me, I’m just pirating them…but will add a few visual aids, as well as my comments, for your pleasure!

My comments are in bold following each tip.

Brad’s Top 10 Tips for Black Friday Sales

1. Research: start your Black Friday 2010 sale research on Thanksgiving day or earlier.  Of course, would have been nice if this blog appeared on Wednesday. 
2. Make a plan: identify what you want to buy, which stores have the best sales on Black Friday, and what time they open.  Make lists…I live by my lists (and fashion journals) .
3. Timing is everything: arrange stores by opening time from early to late.  I think Kohl’s opening at 3AM is kooky!  I have provided a list of Black Friday Store Hours at the end of my blog.
4. A fool and his money: be wary of Black Friday deals with quantity limits. If a store only has 10 items at that price, go elsewhere.  Sage advice, as you don’t want to take down all in your path!  To help with hands-free shopping, remember your cross-body purse, as previously mentioned in my It’s all in the Bag blog!
5. Visualize: know where your items are in the store.  Kinda tough – if you ask for a map before hand, store security may think you are going to rob them.
6. Stay Safe: Previous Black Friday sales were honestly deadly; please don’t trample or shoot anyone!  I acquiesce to this!  This is good advice for any aspect of your life.  Truly!
7. Power of numbers: go with a team and attack separate stores or separate sections of the same store. Designate a meeting place.  Plus, you have your peeps with you to enjoy a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine.   I, however, do Much better shopping alone.  I find it more efficient, but I see “Brad’s” point…safety in numbers, and maybe your friends can help carry your bags!
8. Bring a snack: only amateurs stop at the food court on Black Friday! (Or the bathroom – so go before you leave.)  I say a stop at Starbuck’s is a must…and there is really nothing healthy, ever, at a food court, so pack some crackers, a banana, and nuts, and you are good to go. Also, a bottle of water, so you don’t have to spend $2 on it at the mall.  As far as going to the bathroom before you leave, when nature calls, not much you can do.  Especially after your stop at Starbuck’s.  
9. The quiet ones: don’t ignore stores that don’t advertise. They will have Black Friday deals too!!  Check online for these, and don’t forget to use your coupons from our favorite coupon websites!

retailmenot.com

Froogle.com

Smartbargains.com

Overstock.com

Coupon.com

Couponcabin.com

bluefly.com

Coolsavings.com

couponmom.com

      10.   Have fun: enjoy your family, friends and deals!  Isn’t enjoying your family during the Holidays an      oxymoron?  Kidding…it’s my favorite time of the year.  Black Friday shopping or not.

My friend Nancy says:    If you plan and shop effectively with the appropriate targeted “attack”, you can be finished and having a glass of wine with lunch!  To avoid the lunch crowds, consider the Nordstrom café – a forgotten gem!  If there is one at your mall.

In moderation, of course.

In addition, as Nancy lives for Black Friday shopping:    “PARKING!!!  From my experience, if your mall has car valets, use them…. The best $5-$10 you will spend all day.  They are just great, fast and usually will retrieve your car so you can pack it up with a load of purchases and then go back to the mall for round 2!  And one year the car valet returned (without my car) to tell me that I had a flat tire and asked permission to put on my spare.  Naturally I said yes and he was back in 20 minutes…. Nice young man who saved the day for me and it was well worth the extra $20 tip for him!”

Hope everyone has a Fabulous Thanksgiving, and Happy Shopping to those who dare.

xoxo

Terry

Buying something on sale is a very special feeling.  In fact, the less I pay for something, the more it is worth to me.  I have a dress that I paid so little for that I am afraid to wear it.  I could spill something on it, and then how would I replace it for that amount of money?  ~Rita Rudner

Black Friday 2010 Store Hours

Store	Thanksgiving Hours*	Black Friday Hours
Ace Hardware		7am
Babies R Us		5am
Best Buy		5am
Costco		9am
Gander Mountain	9am	6am-10pm
Home Depot		6am
JCPenney		4am-11pm
Kmart	6am-9pm	5am-11pm
Kohl’s		3am
Lowe’s		6am
Macy’s		4am
Meijer	6am-12am	5am
OfficeMax	7am	7am
Old Navy	9am (select locations)	12am
Radio Shack	10am	5:30am
Sears	7am-Noon	4am
Sports Authority		5am-9:30pm
Staples		6am
Target		4am
Toys R Us	10pm	12am
Walgreen’s	9am	7am
Walmart		12:01am and Electronics at 5am