Friday, November 29, 2013. Though it may appear to be just another ordinary Friday, the veterans know better than that. Because on this day, a battle will promptly commence even before the sun takes its place in the sky. From Target to Macy’s to Best Buy, battle cries will ring from within parking lots and aisles. The worst in shoppers will surface as they desperately compete for the best deals on limited supplies. Friends may even become enemies…especially when said friend is holding that discounted pair of Jeffrey Campbell’s you were dying to snag!Â
A shopper’s war like no other, Black Friday will require a skill, patience, and motivation like no other shopping excursion. The amateurs will be separated from the pros. And heroes will stand out from amidst a sea of soldiers who just don’t have what it takes. Which one will you be?
With the proper team, you could emerge victorious from the Black Friday battle. After all, even the best soldiers rely on their squads to get the job done. Intelligence. Speed and agility. Strength. Enthusiasm. You’re going to want the best of the best on your team. Here’s a few soldiers you may want to consider adding to your Black Friday squad.Â
The Coordinator: We all know how hectic Black Friday can be…crowds and crowds on end, scattered products, not to mention, the limited time you have to cover all of the sales on your list. The coordinator will keep the squad together and on track. At a stressful time like Black Friday, you’ll appreciate having her around to keep things running smoothly. She’s efficient. She’s organized. She always has an effective strategy (And battle plans are quite necessary in this war!). A good coordinator has all the qualities of a good leader and perhaps even a celebrity’s personal assistant. Â
The Math Geek: I’m talking a true numbers cruncher here. The math geek will know where to find the real savings! Percentages. Taxes. Totals. You name it! The math geek will know much money you’ll need and save faster than a “barefoot jackrabbit on a hot greasy griddle in the middle of August”! She’ll save you from wasting your coveted time on a poor deal; or even from the embarrassment of overestimating more than you really have to spend.Â
The “Muscle”: The muscle may serve two important functions. 1) Somebody’s going to have to push those stuffed carts and tote those loaded bags. The muscle will have the necessary strength to contribute in that department. 2) The muscle may also help put up the much needed front that other shoppers will be sorry if they dare to cross your squad. She may protect the group from potential threats (Don’t discount for a second the thought that things can’t get ugly on Black Friday. They can and they will!)Â
The Pep Talker: When your squad is feeling a little down in the dumps, the pep talker will come in handy. A cheerful spirit who always sees the brighter side, the pep talker will keep the team from becoming discouraged when things don’t go as planned. And with a good pep talker around, the atmosphere surrounding your squad will remain light and positive in a time of chaos and ferocity.Â
The Water/Towel Girl: Perhaps it seems silly. But if you’ve been on an intense shopping spree you know you can easily work up a sweat. The water girl’s role is crucial to the maintenance of the squad. She will keep the team hydrated, fueled, and perspiration free. A good water girl may keep a few snacks handy! Black Friday shopping will work up an appetite!
*The Gadget Girl*: If you want to go all out with your squad, a gadget girl may be what you need. She’s a bonus addition to the squad who’s tech savvy and will add some excitement to your mission. Synchronized watches. GPS tracking. Walkie Talkies (Yes, thats obvi what cellphones are for, but what fun is that!). The gadget girl has it all! She’ll definitely give your squad that extra leg up on the competition.Â
Good Luck shoppers! May the odds be ever in your favor. :)
(You may even consider assembling an entirely differently squad to take down Cyber Monday! But that’s certainly a different battlefield.)Â