Stampedes ready to break into fights over the last set of Tommy Hilfiger bath towels. This is what may image may be sparked when those fateful words “Black Friday” are uttered. Whether you avoid stores at all costs or see the day as an adventure, tradition or your shopping holy grail, here are some tips to make the most of Black Friday this year!
1. First (and most important tip): Thanksgiving is about spending time with family- that includes the night of and morning after.
Don’t be too preoccupied with getting a great deal that you miss out on quality time with family, friends and loved ones!
2. Big ticket items are the goal- not that H&M t-shirt. Often stores have specific sales for Black Friday and won’t let you combine coupons. You can usually get clothes and smaller items for less on other, less over-hyped sale dates. (This is not to say that you shouldn’t plan that Khol’s trip though).
3. Plan your route.
Know when each store opens and its location to each other. Some stores open earlier than usual for the big day, so look on Google and chart your course!
4. Know what you’re looking for.
It’s easy to get swept up in “deals”, the buying frenzy, and “fill up the car” syndrome. Make a list of what you want and what you need so you won’t go overboard and wind up with three pairs of those really cute but not practical stilettos!
5. Coordinate coupons.
Some coupons won’t work on Black Friday. Others only work on certain types of items or during a certain time frame. Incorporate this with your logistics map.
6. It’s more than one-day –only!
The shopping has only just begun on Friday! Cyber Monday has even more deals where you can sometimes find a greater variety of electronics for even less!
When focused on the deals, lines and shopping sprees, remember: what’s most important is who you spend the holiday with, not what you get.
Above all else- keep calm and shop on!