There’s an invisible written rule that you’re only allowed to do everything Christmas once Thanksgiving hits. Everything Christmas meaning decorate for Christmas, play Christmas music, celebrate Christmas, say “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas”, watch Christmas movies, etc. Even though I do not follow that rule (Christmas for me starts right after Halloween), there is one thing that absolutely does not happen until Thanksgiving dinner is eaten-Christmas shopping. Each year, millions of women, and I guess men, hit the streets on Black Friday to get the best deals possible for their Christmas purcahses. This is my quick info sheet, guide, or whatever you want to call it for Black Friday-everything from the history of these days to which stores to hit up first and foremost.
Black Friday History
Black Friday coins its name from years and years ago. “Black” referring to when stores would switch their ink from red to black to show profit in the accounting books. “Friday” coming from the day that will always fall after Thanksgiving and the day of the week which always kicks off the Christmas season! This day really became the day of shopping and retailers realized how easily a discounted price could draw in a customer. It’s the longest shopping day of the year-usually starting around 5am but this year stores can be found opening up at 9pm the night before! Crowds of people wait outside, pounding on the windows until the clock strikes for the doors to open. Then, just like that stores rack up the sales. Thousands of products from a couch, to a camera, to an action figure can be found with prices you wouldn’t believe. Many stores publicize their sales, discounts, prices, and coupons days before Black Friday approaches but some stores wait until the last minute possible to keep it all a secret. Which brings me to my next point; not all stores will talk about which products will be discounted but trust me, everything is discounted.
What should be most important to you is what time the stores you want to go to open up. Below I put some of the most popular stores and the times they open up. Keep in mind store hours may change from state to state or even town to town so be sure to check out your local ads too!
Popular Stores to Hit Up
JoAnn Fabrics – 6am
Aeropostale – 6am
Wal Mart – 8pm Thursday evening
Burlington Coat Factory – 6am
Old Navy – 12am
Michael’s – 7am
A.C. Moore – 5am
H&M – 12am
Macy’s – 12am
Radio Shack – 6am
Target – 9pm Thursday evening
Costco – 9am
J.C. Penney – 6am
KMart – 5am
Lowe’s – 12am
Toys ‘R Us – 8pm Thursday evening
Kohl’s – 12am
Sears – 8pm Thursday evening
The Home Depot – 5am
Dick’s Sporting Goods – 12am
New York & Company – Start Thanksgiving day!