If you’re like me, you live for the day the stores open at 12 a.m. There have been crowds large enough to cause stampedes, there have been arrests, there have even been deaths. Black Friday can be a day filled with great purchases at low prices, but can quickly turn into a disaster if you’re not prepared for the worst. To help you maneuver the turmoil of arguably one of the biggest shopping days of the year, I’ve compiled a list of the top eleven tricks to make the day a success.
1. Come with a plan of attack.
My favorite thing to do is wander the aisles of a store just browsing, stopping at anything that looks interesting. However, Black Friday does not give shoppers that luxury. With the clothes disorganized and people pushing you on either side, browsing loses its relaxing appeal. To make sure that you leave with a good haul, come in with a plan of action. Note the stores you want to go to and the things you want to buy. Start compiling your list now so you won’t forget anything!
2. Do your research.
A good plan of attack is useless if you don’t know how to execute it properly. Look at a map of the mall near you so you can determine the best way to reach all of your favorite stores without wasting a second of time. If you’re venturing outside of the mall, know how long it will take to get to each store and where you can park once you’re there. With Black Friday beginning earlier and earlier each year, many stores take breaks throughout the day, so check to see when your favorites are open. This way, you can plan your day around their schedules.
3. Go at 5 A.M.
Like I said, stores are opening earlier each year, some as early as 6 o’clock on Thanksgiving Day. While I think everyone should still be eating their turkey dinner at this time, some shoppers do choose to get a head start. The next wave of shoppers comes around 12, when all of the parents finally let their kids leave the family dinner to go shop with their friends. The last wave comes much later on Friday, when those that prefer shopping at a reasonable hour come out. That leaves a brief time between midnight and early Friday in between the waves where the crowds will die down. If you like the thrill of shopping at an ungodly hour that you would never be able to do an any other day, 5 a.m. is still pretty early.
4. Eat a second Thanksgiving dinner before you go.
Regardless of what time you decide to go, don’t go hungry. When your body is awake and active at a time it is not used to, you are bound to get hungry. So, stock up before you leave. Scarf down the extras before they are put away, or be the first to break into the nicely packaged leftovers. Either way, there is a second Thanksgiving feast calling your name!
5. Carpool with your friends.
Thanksgiving is one of the worst holidays for travel because there is always traffic—a constant stream from Wednesday morning to Sunday night. On top of the traffic jams, you are driving at an unusual hour, probably with very little sleep, which is why you should bring your friends. Not only will the car ride be more enjoyable, you will also avoid the hassle of trying to meet up with them in a mall full of thousands of people. And one car means only scoring the parking lot for one spot.
6. Leave the coat in the car.
If your day is a success, you arms will be dripping in bags when you head out of the store. Don’t add to the list of things to sling over your shoulder with a bulky jacket that is likely to get left behind or disappear among the piles of clothes. Plus, big crowds mean lots of heat, so you won’t be needing that jacket anyways.
7. Bring a cross-body bag.
A lost wallet can be devastating, especially on a day that centers around spending money. Bring a bag to keep close to you at all times. A cross body bag will free up your hands, make your money easy accessible while the cashiers are trying to make a quick purchase, and make it harder for someone to catch you off guard if they are trying to steal from you. Better to be safe than sorry!
8. Wear leggings.
If you think the line to checkout is long, the line for the dressing room will seem astronomical. The process of trying on clothes is already a hassle but it is amplified by a thousand on Black Friday. Wear leggings and layers on top so that you can easily slip things on over your clothes. Leggings are sheer enough that they won’t distort your size, and they stick to you so you won’t have any embarrassing clothing malfunctions as you try to slip out of a pair of jeans.
9. Be nice to the workers.
Black Friday is one of the biggest retail days of the year. Most companies require every employee to work at some point during the day, even those that just started. Be nice to them! They have a lot to do, and a little kindness will definitely make their day. Plus, they’ll be more likely to help you later on when you have a question compared to ruder customers.
10. Have an open mind.
Believe or not, a lot of the clothes sold for basically nothing on Black Friday are not a part of the newest shipment. Stores will often put out things that haven’t sold as well in the past. So, you never know what you may find. Keep an open mind and you may discover a hidden gem that was overlooked last season. It’s also a prime time to find those key pieces that no one else will have. Let your style speak to you and keep your eyes peeled!
11. Don’t forget about Cyber Monday.
Lastly, don’t forget that you have a second chance at great deals on Monday. If you don’t find everything on your list, or ran out of steam before you made it to the last store, don’t fret. Cyber Monday gives you another opportunity for cheap shopping without having to deal with the crowds. Remember, don’t stress. Let yourself shop till you drop and enjoy the experience!