For many of us, the day after Thanksgiving is a day of rest after cooking, eating, cleaning, and more eating. But for others, shopping on Black Friday is a tradition that includes getting up early, fighting the crowds, and hunting for bargains. It is, after all, the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. Hoping to spark a buying frenzy, many retailers offer sales so enticing, shoppers line up outside their doors overnight. If you're willing to endure long waits in line for a coveted deal, these tips can help you become a savvier shopper, even on the busiest day in the busiest season.
1. Do your homework
To find the best deals on big-ticket items, do price comparisons on sites like pricegrabber.com. Know your stores, too; find out which ones have your gift-list items on sale. Target.com, for example, is already gearing up for the season; it has a special Black Friday section on its site. Another tip to get through the day: Clip coupons. Often, you’ll find you need the coupon in hand for extra savings, so don’t think stores will provide them for you. If you know something is going to sell out quickly, grab your coupon and get to the store as soon as it opens. And remember to always bring sale flyers with you when shopping, because it’s easier to show than tell, and they can help you clear up any price disputes with store managers.
2. Make a list, organized by recipient
Before you venture out, make a list of all the grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and others you're shopping for. It sounds easy enough to remember those you need gifts for, but in the chaos of Black Friday, it's just as easy to forget. Also, as you plan which gift you want to give to which grandchild, it’s smart to jot down a backup in case your first choice is sold out.
3. have a game plan
Shopping on Black Friday is a marathon like no other — prepare accordingly. Decide how early you want to arrive, and make a rough estimate as to when you want to leave. Strategize by figuring out how many stores you want to visit and the easiest routes for avoiding traffic. To maximize getting in and out, bring bottled water and a snack to keep you full and happy. And dress for the weather: You might have to wait outside a store before it opens, so be prepared with a warm coat.
4. Pick your shopping buddy wisely
Rigorous as it may be, shopping on Black Friday can actually be fun — if you’re with the right person. So bring along your best bargain-shopping friend: Not only will you keep each other company on long lines and in the wee hours of the morning, but you’ll also be able to tag-team by splitting up and going after the season's most-popular items, and each of you can get one.
| Will you be up early to shop on Black Friday? |
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Yes; I look forward to this day each and every year 26.7%
No; I'd rather sleep and shop later 73.3%
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5. Arrive early
Brace yourself for big crowds; don’t think you’re the only one getting to the stores at 4am — you won’t be waiting there alone. The season’s hottest items — toys, games, and electronics — sell out quickly, so get to where you need to be and line up. In efforts to steady customer flow in and out of stores, some retailers are open all day Thanksgiving into Black Friday. Other popular retailers, undaunted by the crowds, are keeping their early-opening hours. An added bonus for early-bird shoppers? Early-bird specials, of course, often available in limited quantities only (check the fine print). Many department stores offer extra coupon savings to those customers — all the more reason to set the alarm clock.
6. Shop online
If you're a seasoned Black Friday shopper and tired of getting up early and fighting the crowds each year, it's time to move your holiday shopping online. Some of the season’s best deals are available on the Web — many on November 29, or Cyber Monday. It’s deemed the biggest sale day on the Internet; online retailers use it as a day to spike spending. Many sites not only offer discounts and deals on Cyber Monday and throughout the season, but also free shipping and returns, all of which draw savvy consumers. You'll also find discounts online throughout the season. The best part of shopping online is you can cross names off your list while having fun staying home with your grandkids.
7. Or, just stay in altogether
Unless you’re looking to buy the hottest toy or an electronic gadget that is sure to sell out early, you may want to consider shopping at the last minute, as prices often drop closer to Christmas — sometimes significantly. Remember, as we wriggle our way out of a recession, this season is crucial for both in-store and online retailers — and they are counting on holiday tallies for survival. So don't worry — the sales aren't going away.
Visit our Toys & Gifts section to find the perfect gift for your grandchild!
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