Filed under Shopping on November 19th, 2008:
How to Survive Shopping on Black Friday
Once you’ve recovered from feasting on turkey, cornbread stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, it’s time to prepare for the biggest shopping day of the year. The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is commonly known as two things: the largest shopping day of the year and the most stressful shopping day of the year.
Photo by: Jonathan McPherson
Many people avoid this day altogether because of the stress involved in fighting the crowds, but for those brave souls after Thanksgiving sales present an opportunity to get all of your holiday shopping done at once. Below are a few ideas to relieve the stress of Black Friday shopping.
Start Early
It shouldn’t be difficult to get a good nights rest after you’ve stuffed yourself with Turkey. Go to bed early so you can survive the morning shopping rush. The best deals take place in the first four hours. So leave your Columbus apartment early on and get all of your Holiday shopping out of the way so you can enjoy the rest of your day with your family.
Leave the Little Ones at Home
We love our kids, but on Black Friday leave your little ones with a babysitter. The day after Thanksgiving sales consist of large crowds, lengthy lines, and early hours. Leaving your children at home will be best for you and for your child.
Multi-Task
Why not go to a place where you can get everything from a pair of diamond earrings to golf clubs. Try doing most of your holiday shopping at a large mall. This will limit the amount of walking you will have to do and also cut the number of lines you need to wait in while carrying armloads of shopping bags.
Shed the Extra Weight
Speaking of shopping bags, this day requires all hands on deck, so ladies leave your large trendy handbags at home. You might want to travel with a small bag or wristlet, so you’ll have both hands available for browsing the massive amount of sales racks.
Save Even More
Clip those coupons. On average you’ll be able to add at least 30% in savings if you search the Black Friday ads. You can typically find coupons the week prior to Black Friday, so check your local papers, comparison shop on the Internet, and look for sale circulars.
Don’t forget to make note of the stores that are participating in the sales. Just because it’s Black Friday doesn’t mean everyone will have additional savings.
Be Prepared
Make out your Holiday shopping list. Have your children looking through the big toy catalogs or get your husband jotting down new electronics or golf accessories he wants. Making a list will save you time and money.
Do your homework, you’ll be amazed with how much shopping can be done when you are prepared and have a plan. After you’ve done everything on your list relax and have some fun. Grab lunch with your friends or take a nap after an eventful day of shopping.