Thanksgiving is the joyous time of year when you can show your thanks for all the blessings in your life and enjoy a true feast. However, once you’ve gotten your fill of turkey, yams, and pumpkin pie, it’s time to hit the stores for Black Friday. Whether you want to treat yourself to a new TV or get a head start on your holiday shopping, Black Friday offers an excellent opportunity for great deals on big ticket items. In recent years, this has led to people camping overnight and a mad rush. Here are some easy tips for surviving Black Friday.
1. Make a list and do your research.
Take a moment to figure out what exactly you would like to buy for yourself or gift to others. From there, do some research at least a week before the big day to see which stores will have deals and what exactly they will be discounting. This can help you determine where you should be heading. Depending on the store, the phone or TV you want may not even be on sale. Look for any coupons that you may be able to combine with your deal.
2. Make a schedule and a map.
Once you have your items and deals squared away, create a schedule based on store opening times, the items most important to you, and the distance from your home. While you may know the physical location of each store, figure out which aisles to head to once you get into the store. Some retailers have a specific Black Friday layout and will provide maps to help you find where each deal will be inside the store.
3. Bring supplies.
From waiting in line to dealing with raucous crowds, the Black Friday experience can be exhausting. If you plan to camp out, make sure you dress warm and bring a flashlight or lantern to stay visible to others. Keep a bottle of water handy for hydration and some snacks to maintain your blood sugar. Don’t forget your wallet.
4. Wait for Cyber Monday.
If you’re not in the mood to deal with crowds or just can’t find any worthwhile deals, there’s no harm in skipping out in Black Friday altogether. Cyber Monday has become a significant day for deals and gives you the opportunity to shop in your pajamas in the comfort of your home.
5. Be kind and considerate.
In the thick of big deals, it’s easy for people to get cranky and at least a little unreasonable around others. Remember that this isn’t the last big sale of the year, nor does Black Friday necessarily have the best deals. Be kind and respectful to other shoppers, and be especially considerate to retail workers.