Ah, Black Friday–the day after Thanksgiving. What is it for you: a shopper’s dream or the worst nightmare ever?
Have you noticed that Black Friday has been creeping further and further back towards, ahem, Thursday? What do you think they will call that? Gray Thursday? Here in Minnesota, I have a vision of thousands of parka-clad shoppers waiting in long lines outside stores and shopping malls to get the truly fabulous bargains offered during this crazy time! Each person holding a thermal paper plate of mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and turkey. Okay–we are not there yet and the bargains are pretty good if you have stamina and a Plan. The major component of the Plan is your Christmas list of who you need to get gifts for and a bottle of water.
Are You Ready?
Armed with your Christmas list, experts advise that you go directly to the departments where your items can be found. If it’s a store you aren’t familiar with, some people visit it before Black Friday so you can easily find the best route on B-Day.
Avoid browsing and try not to buy anything for yourself. Time is precious on this day, and there are always mobs of people trying to grab that last sale item on the rack.
Black Friday does offer great deals and Rich Chicks has some tips for you. Don’t even ask how we came up with these tips–let’s just chalk it up to field experience in combat retailing.
* Check out the newspapers the week of Black Friday for sale items.
* Clip out any coupons from the newspapers as well as online coupons that can be utilized in stores.
* Check each store’s online website to determine what items you will be purchasing.
* Check out what time the stores will open and close. Keep in mind some stores offer sales for a few hours only.
* Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
* Try to pay for items with cash (use a waist pouch or a neck pouch to store the cash). Bring a bottle of water – it can get awfully hot!
* If you have to pay with a credit card, use only one card and pay off the balance as soon as possible.
* Take someone with you so that you can both shop for the items on your list.
In any case, stay focused on your mission; stay vigilant about those around you, and stick to your list.
After you stagger back to your car with your packages, take a moment to plan your Victory Celebration. Reward yourself appropriately (yes, you get to decide what is appropriate for surviving Black Friday)
And me? Umm–on-line shopping is starting to look really good…
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