Seven Secrets To Surviving Black Friday November 25, 2010

For many Americans, it is tradition… like hunting for eggs on Easter, wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day and eating turkey on Thanksgiving. You get the idea. Black Friday is THE day to shop.
As the official kick off for the holiday shopping season, it’s when retailers slash prices, offer insane discounts, creating incredible deals on everything from toys to televisions. According to the National Retail Federation, 130 million people, give or take a couple million, will be taking advantage of this Black Friday’s super sales. That means lots of competition for the best bargains.
As a journalist, I’ve have been covering Black Friday for years interviewing retailers and countless shoppers out to maximize savings. Here are some tips I’ve learned about surviving and thriving on Black Friday.

1. HAVE A PLAN
This day needs strategizing. Think of it sort of like a military operation. Plan it out in advance– make a list, do your research, comparison shop and clip coupons. Decide what you want to buy and where you’ll find it. Learn when the stores open, so you can be one of the first in line. This IS a case of the early bird getting the worm! If at all possible, visit the stores in advance. Familiarize yourself with the floor plans, so you can wait outside the door closest to your desired item. Knowing where to go, especially at crowded retailers like Toys “R” Us and Best Buy, increases the odds of snatching up what you want. Also, don’t bother getting a shopping cart right away. It will just slow you down.

2. PACK YOUR WALLET ACCORDINGLY
Remember those coupons you clipped? Don’t forget to put them in your wallet. If you plan on paying with cash, hit the ATM the day before Thanksgiving so you’re ready to go. Otherwise, pack your credit cards. Be sure to include individual store cards. Nowadays, many retailers offer special benefits for loyal customers. Example: shop at Macy’s using your card and you don’t need the coupon. The retailer automatically gives cardholders the advertised discount. The lesson here: know the policies of ALL the stores you have cards with. It can mean money back in your pocket.

3. GAS UP YOUR CAR AND EMPTY OUT YOUR TRUNK
Prior to Friday, fill up your gas tank then clear out your trunk. You’re going to need a place to store your purchases throughout the day. You don’t want to lug shopping bags from store to store, do you? When your hands are full, head to your car and lock everything in the trunk. Don’t put the items in the backseat. They make your car a target for a break in.

4. VALET PARK
Several shoppers I interviewed swear by this. Take advantage of valet parking. Looking for a parking spot can be agonizing. Valet parking at your local mall will cost you a couple of bucks, but it may be worth it. Besides, while you are driving around, someone else is getting your fantastic deal. However, know the trade-off. Valet parking means your car won’t be readily available to throw purchases into the trunk.

5. EAT A GOOD POWER BREAKFAST, PACK SOME SNACKS MAYBE EVEN YOUR LUNCH
Just coffee isn’t going to cut it for Black Friday. Start the day off right and eat a balanced breakfast that includes a good helping of protein. Protein will give you the energy you need to keep shopping. Just as important, throw some snacks, like nuts and fruit, into your purse so you have something to munch on throughout the day. If you forget, retailers, like Target and K-Mart, offer snack bars/eateries. Another tip: if you want to avoid the long food court lines, pack a lunch. You’ll snap up bargains while everyone else is trying to grab a bite.

6. DRESS COMFORTABLY FROM HEAD TO TOE
Wear the most comfortable shoes you own. You’re going to be on your feet for hours. Aching feet will just bring a day of bargain hunting to a screeching halt. As for the rest of your wardrobe, wear clothing you can get in and out of quickly. Nix anything with lots of cumbersome buttons. Yes, your goal is holiday shopping but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of a great deal for yourself. Easy on/easy off clothing will make your dressing room experience fast and furious.

7. BUY IN MULTIPLES
When you come across an UNBELIEVABLE deal, take advantage of it. Don’t just buy one. Give serious consideration to buying in multiples. You’ll never see these prices again, or at least not until the after-Christmas sales.

Happy Shopping! See you at the mall!