Like most sites, we’ve covered the basics for Black Friday previously. This time we thought we’d point out some alternatives to the crazy early mornings and hectic, dazed shoppers.
TodaysMama conducted a Holiday Economic Survey earlier this year and found that over 80% of those surveyed plan to curb their holidays spending this year. Brad Wilson, editor-in-chief of bradsdeals.com says that “These are difficult times for holiday shoppers and day-after-Thanksgiving deals aren’t just for the frugal. With increases in unemployment, foreclosures, gas prices and food prices, as well as decreases in consumer credit, discretionary spending and overall confidence, consumers will spend more on Friday, November 28th, but spend less overall during the 2008 holidays. ” Brad’s suggestions, stay disciplined, don’t give in to those impulise buys and stick to your plan!
For Those of You That Will be Braving the Crowds
Jennifer Melnick Carota, author, speaker and expert “giveologist” known as The Gift Therapist suggests that shoppers play it safe and “keep a detailed list of the credit/debit cards that you keep in your shopping wallet in a safe place at your home. Be sure to include the card name, account number and customer service phone number. Should you loose your wallet or have it stolen, having quick access to this information will save you valuable time and stress should this unfortunate experience happen to you.
Judy Colbert, the publisher of Smart Shopping Montreal advises, “be careful when buying gift cards as some have expiration dates and some have monthly charges if the card isn’t used. Buy a mall gift card instead of an individual store gift card, particularly if the store is going out of business or in bankruptcy.”
Seasoned Black Friday shopper and event specialist, Marissa Sweazy suggests “Once you have your list complete, look at which store you would like to purchase the most items at and see if you have any coupons. Always, go to the store with the biggest coupon first. For example, Macy’s will probably offer a “First 100 people in the door get a $25-$50 gift card…” Go there first..but if the doors open at 6am you had better be there at 5am!”
If you’re in the malls already, don’t ignore stores that don’t advertise – they will be running promotions as well.
For Those Looking for Alternatives to Shopping the Stores
Did you know that Etsy will also be having Black Friday sales? According to Etsy artisian, Phyllis Mufson, the promotion runs from Black Friday through Cyber Moday (11/27 – 12/1) there will be over 200 artists, crafters and artisans participating in Etsy Fest. To find which stores and artisans are participating in the event, just do key word search using “EtsyFest”. You’ll be able to shop for one of-a-kind, creative and unusual presents for everyone on your list; jewelry, clothing and accessories, children and baby gifts, cards and scrap book supplies, fine arts, ceramics, gifts for the home, and much, much more.
And then there’s always online shopping. Some sales have started as early as Thanksgiving Day. The folks over at CNET.com recommend the following sites to to make your Black Friday shopping easier : BlackFriday.info and FreeShipping.org for free shipping information. Then there’s also the online coupon sites like UltimateCoupons.com to check for additional coupon codes and comparison shopping sites like PriceGrabber.com.
The gang over at ShopGadgetGirl.com suggest to “preplan your online strategy. Make getting the deals easy on you by doing a little advance work. One of my favorite tricks is to put the product in my online shopping cart and log out before purchasing. This way my credit card information is already in place, the product is already selected so no need to waste time finding it and all I have to do is hit “submit” when the deal starts.
Once all the dust has setttled and you’re ready to catch your breath and grab a bite, know that T.G.I. Friday’s has and offer to give members of its loyalty program a free dessert with the purchase of an entree during Black Friday weekend. Talk about the cherry on top to all your bargain hunting.
If all of this is just too much and the mere thought of shopping drives you crazy, just know that you can always abstain and instead participate in Buy Nothing Day.
