Black Friday used to be only on the Friday after Thanksgiving. However, more and more stores have decided to stay open on Thanksgiving so that people can enjoy the deals for two days instead of one. If you decide to shop in-person instead of online this year, here are a few tips and tricks for you to stay safe and get the best deals.
1. Shop According to Time and Deals
A lot of stores open for a few hours, close, then reopen. Depending on when they are open, the store may have different deals. For example, Best Buy will open at 5 p.m. on Thursday promoting the special deal of a 75-inch Samsung Smart TV for $749.99 — a $350 discount. The store will close at 1 a.m. and reopen again on Friday at 1 p.m. You as a shopper must know what you want to buy and try to figure out when the best time to buy it is.
2. Don’t Wait Until Thanksgiving
Start your shopping before Thanksgiving. Most stores have sales going on all throughout November. Some stores, like Walmart, may even start their special Black Friday deals as early as Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Walmart’s Black Friday sale begins online at 7 p.m. Pacific Time on Nov. 27. The retail stores will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
3. Do Your Homework!
Research, research, research! Have your game plan ready before you go shopping online or in stores. Know what you want, make a list, try to determine which store will give you the best possible deal. Create a budget and stick to it. Don’t go broke trying to shop this Black Friday.
4. Avoid Crowded Shopping Centers
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “it’s Black Friday, literally everywhere will be crowded.” Yes, that’s true, but stores in shopping centers like outlets or malls are typically the most crowded places since most people try to get their shopping done in one place. Try to go to stores away from these busy shopping centers to avoid the crowds. Try finding a store that is secluded or in a small shopping outlet, like a Target, so you can get all the best deals and discounts without having to face the crazy crowds.
5. Support the Little Guys!
Since Black Friday deals are on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday, you’ll have more than enough time to shop at big-name stores. Try shopping at small shops and boutiques in the mall. There will be fewer crowds and one-day-only deals. The mall also features special timed sales that expire at various times on Thursday and Friday.
Have a safe and happy Black Friday shopping spree!