We’re just a few short weeks away from Black Friday 2011, one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Stores across the country will be competing against each other for the best deals to offer consumers. With it being the first major shopping day before Christmas, it’s also the most craziest shopping day of the year. Stores are opening as early as 12AM for Black Midnight for those who want first dibs on the best deals. Some Best Buy locations are opening at 9pm on Thanksgiving night as their start to Black Friday. Yes, it’s that serious. Here are a few pieces of guidance to navigate and survive Black Friday 2011.
Have a Plan and a Partner
Make sure you have a precise plan of what stores you’re going to hit when shopping this Black Friday. Many shoppers will be out looking for the best and cheapest deals. You’ll want to bring at least one other person with you to help carry things and perhaps stand in other lines that could be shorter than yours.
Bring Any Circulars or Paper Coupons
Even though you’ll be hearing a lot of commercials and reading ads for good deals, you should bring anything you read to the store as proof. You want your Black Friday to go as smoothly as possible.
Be Prepared For Long Lines and Combative Shoppers
Hundreds of deals + thousands of products + millions of shoppers = CHAOS
If this is your first time shopping on Black Friday, brace yourself. For those who are Black Friday veterans already know the deal and are aware of the craziness that happens in stores during that day. You’ll encounter a whole lot of people vying for the same deals you are, so be prepared for foolishness. You may want to bring a small chair while waiting in the long lines as well as comfortable sneakers.
Black Friday Is Just The Beginning, Don’t Forget About Cyber Monday
Don’t be fooled by the deals going on during Black Friday. There will be plenty more sales and specials happening after Black Friday and before the Christmas holiday. Cyber Monday happens right after Black Friday and you don’t want to max out before you take advantage of any online deals.
Sign Up Now For Store Email Lists
Now is a good time to start signing up for store emails to get a preview of their Black Friday sales. Many stores and now sending email notifications of their sales to customers beforehand. This could be a great start to mapping out exactly where you want to shop.
You can find more information here to help you start with your Black Friday shopping plans. Happy shopping!
