We are exactly one week away from the biggest shopping day of the year! I seriously look forward to this day all year long. It has become a tradition for me and it’s pretty much guaranteed that I hit up Target after Thanksgiving dinner. Over the years, I’ve figured out some tips to really finding the best deals and successfully tackling Black Friday. Let’s jump right in..
Shop In Store Tips:
- Do your research ahead of time. Look at ads online, flyers, etc. Give yourself enough time to do a little research to know if it’s a real deal and prevent rash decisions.
2. Prioritize your shopping list. Make a list of items you want to buy, organized by store and then by order of importance. Also, when making your shopping list, be sure to add a back up plan. If the item you want is sold out, have a backup option (or backup gift) ready.
3. Avoid overbuying. The hot items of the seasons might not be on sale and not everything that is on sale at a store is a good deal. Also, just because something is a bargain doesn’t mean you need it.
4. Plan your route. Figure out what stores you want to go and prioritize them based on opening times and proximity to one another.
5. Get a head start. This is my favorite one! I prefer to do it the night before, on Thanksgiving instead of on Friday. Also, many things will be picked over if you wait too long.
6. Dress for success. Make sure you are comfortable and are wearing good walking shoes. I like to dress in layers for trying on clothes in store (skip the dressing rooms). Make sure you pack light, use a crossbody purse or just put your credit card in your pocket.
7. Shop with a friend. Have someone to keep you entertained in the lines and also to help divide and conquer your shopping list. Also, leave your kids at home as they could get lost in the crowds or become impatient.
8. Skip the cart. Unless you are buying giant TVs, use a tote bag. It will make it easier to maneuver through the crowds.
9. Know the return policy. Keep in mind that some stores might have a 30 day return policy for Black Friday purchases which wouldn’t allow your recipient to return the gift. And don’t forget to get a gift receipt!
10. Use the Amazon app. Some deals are actually deceptive and aren’t the best price out there. Use the app to compare prices before purchasing by easily scanning the barcode in store.
Where To Shop In Store:
Target will be opening Thanksgiving Day at 5 pm and closing at 1 am on Black Friday. The stores will reopen again at 7 am Black Friday. Read the Target Black Friday ad here.
Macys opens 5pm Thanksgiving until 2am. Friday open again at 6am. Read their ad here. They also have coupons in the ad! Last year I got a FREE waffle maker (after mail in rebate).
Khols opens at 5pm Thanksgiving and staying open. Read their ad here.
Walmart opens at 6pm Thanksgiving. Read ad here.
Who’s ready to kick off the holiday shopping season? I know I am! I hope these tips help you score some awesome deals. If you have any other advice for Black Friday shopping leave it below so we can all benefit!