Cue the coupon clipping and shopping list-making: the countdown to November 25th has begun. With holiday sales predicted to reach $466 billion this year, the throngs of shoppers show no signs of slowing down, so how can you make sure you’re ahead of the curve? We’ve compiled this handy-dandy list of tips for Black Friday shopping survival:
Make a plan and stick to it. According to the National Retail Federation, 24 percent of shoppers show up at the stores before 4 a.m., so simply showing up early isn’t all it takes anymore. (Some stores like Macys, Kohls, Best Buy, and Target are even opening their doors at midnight!) Do the legwork ahead of time to find out when the stores on your “hit list” open and determine the most optimal order to follow—you’ll thank yourself later.
Maximize your savings. Start combing the newspaper, Web, and social media for deal announcements and advance coupons, as many special offers are announced well ahead of time. Also, research your bank’s and/or credit cards’ rewards program to see which card will get you the most bang for every buck spent; another consideration is a cash-back debit card like Perkstreet. And when Black Friday finally approaches, follow your favorite stores on Twitter for real-time updates on great savings.
Arm yourself with apps. Staying sane on Black Friday may be directly correlated to how prepared you are, and what better way to channel your inner boy/girl scout than by loading helpful apps on your smartphone? Parking in Motion can help you pinpoint open parking spots and nearby lots, while Evernote is handy for making shopping lists. During the madness, you can also keep tabs on all of your shopping cohorts using FamilyTracker.
Don’t leave the house without proper provisions. A well-prepared shopper is a happy shopper, so make sure you’ve got everything you need. Consider bringing a blanket or even a portable outdoor chair, since you may be stuck waiting outside for long periods of time. Stock your purse with bottled water and a few snacks; after all, you could still be shopping during prime breakfast time. Bring recyclable totes—not only are they Earth-friendly, but they’ll be handy if stores run out of carts. And, most importantly, wear the most comfortable pair of shoes in your closet!
Follow these stealthy bits of advice, and your Black Friday will surely lead to a happy White Christmas for all.
