As most shoppers know, the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, can either be a shopper’s paradise or the worst nightmare.
For the last several years, department stores have been opening up earlier every year. Lines have formed outside these stores anytime from 2 a.m. onwards. For those of you shop on Black Friday, you are well aware of the many sales offered by most merchants.
For those of you who have never shopped on Black Friday, it’s quite an exciting experience. The key to landing those wonderful sales is to have a plan.
Armed with your Christmas list, experts recommend that you go directly to the departments where your items can be found. If possible, visit the departments 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.
While Black Friday offers great deals, it is a good idea to follow these simple tips:
* Scan through 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 decide 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 somebody with you so that you can both shop for the items on your list.
Though most people look forward to Black Friday, others avoid it like the plague. That’s okay, too. With online shopping becoming more popular, you can avoid the mobs and buy anything from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.
