Black Friday Tips and Tricks
Sarah Wilson
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: News
Black Friday is right around the corner. Are you ready? It's a jungle out there, full of women (and a few men) fighting for some of the best deals of the year. For retailers and shoppers alike, Black Friday is serious business. Last year, more than 140 million shoppers hit the stores, with some 50 million already pushing shopping carts by 6:00 a.m., according to the National Retail Federation.
Although these economic times are working against retailers, they may be working towards consumers after Thanksgiving. With groups like the National Retail Federation predicting a dismal holiday season for retailers, stores will be reducing prices even further. Meaning, you can expect the bargains this year to be hotter than ever!
However, you should not start Black Friday without a plan. Here are five tips on how to make the most of your shopping day:
1) Game Time: Make sure to have a game plan. Start by making a list of people to buy for, including the amount you plan to spend on each gift. Next, decide which store and in which order you are going to visit. For example, if you have your heart set on a door-buster item (an item that is sold at a discounted price in limited amounts); make that store your first stop.
2) Keep your head in the game: Cancel all appointments. Put your cell phone on silent and avoid the nagging boyfriend and the gossipy friend. You are on a mission and do not have time for any shenanigans. To make sure you are completely energized for the hectic day ahead, shoppers at Westfield mall will be treated to free coffee and bagels courtesy of Panera Bread from 12 - 1 p.m. in the JCPenney court. Now, make sure to get that bagel and coffee to go, while others are chowing down you will already be in the stores getting "your shop on".
3) Shop online: Beat the crowds by going online. Not only do many retailers offer online-only deals that you cannot get in stores, but as early as Thanksgiving Day, they start offering Black Friday discounts. This is especially effective for those of you who have to work on Black Friday (good luck with that). Another way to use the Internet to your advantage is to order the item(s) online and opt for an in-store pickup. In addition, when shopping online you will not have to deal with those pain-in-the-butt soccer moms that are willing to punch you in the face for the latest toy.
Although these economic times are working against retailers, they may be working towards consumers after Thanksgiving. With groups like the National Retail Federation predicting a dismal holiday season for retailers, stores will be reducing prices even further. Meaning, you can expect the bargains this year to be hotter than ever!
However, you should not start Black Friday without a plan. Here are five tips on how to make the most of your shopping day:
1) Game Time: Make sure to have a game plan. Start by making a list of people to buy for, including the amount you plan to spend on each gift. Next, decide which store and in which order you are going to visit. For example, if you have your heart set on a door-buster item (an item that is sold at a discounted price in limited amounts); make that store your first stop.
2) Keep your head in the game: Cancel all appointments. Put your cell phone on silent and avoid the nagging boyfriend and the gossipy friend. You are on a mission and do not have time for any shenanigans. To make sure you are completely energized for the hectic day ahead, shoppers at Westfield mall will be treated to free coffee and bagels courtesy of Panera Bread from 12 - 1 p.m. in the JCPenney court. Now, make sure to get that bagel and coffee to go, while others are chowing down you will already be in the stores getting "your shop on".
3) Shop online: Beat the crowds by going online. Not only do many retailers offer online-only deals that you cannot get in stores, but as early as Thanksgiving Day, they start offering Black Friday discounts. This is especially effective for those of you who have to work on Black Friday (good luck with that). Another way to use the Internet to your advantage is to order the item(s) online and opt for an in-store pickup. In addition, when shopping online you will not have to deal with those pain-in-the-butt soccer moms that are willing to punch you in the face for the latest toy.
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