FIVE WAYS TO PREPARE FOR BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING

The annual Black Friday shopping event is a time-honored tradition that initially got its name when most retail businesses went from red (negative) account numbers to black (positive ones). It now kicks off the holiday season with incredible deals and discounts. A well-thought-out strategy is crucial to make the most out of this shopping extravaganza. Here are five practical ways to prepare for Black Friday shopping this year.

Begin your Black Friday preparation by researching the products you want to purchase. Scour online and offline sources to compare prices, read reviews, and identify the best deals. Create a shopping list that outlines the items you intend to buy, prioritizing high-ticket items or essentials that can lead to significant savings. This is the perfect time to prepare for Christmas shopping or even look for home items you’ve been needing, like a new washer or TV. A clear plan will help you stay focused, get the things you need, and prevent impulse purchases you may regret later.

With alluring discounts at every corner, it's easy to get carried away during Black Friday sales. To avoid overspending, set a realistic budget. Allocate a specific amount for each item on your shopping list and stick to it. You can even break down the budget per family member if you want to get your holiday shopping done. This approach will prevent post-shopping guilt and ensure you make wise financial decisions.

Stay in the loop by signing up for newsletters and alerts from your favorite retailers. Many stores offer exclusive Black Friday deals to their subscribers, giving you a head start on the sales. Additionally, following retailers' social media accounts can provide real-time updates and even early access to certain discounts. Many companies now begin their Black Friday deals and sales well before actual Black Friday, with some beginning weeks before Thanksgiving. Sign up for newsletters from companies you know you plan on shopping from, and consider adding their email to your contacts to ensure their emails don’t end up in your spam folder.

Black Friday deals are available both in physical stores and online. Decide whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of in-store shopping or the convenience of shopping from your couch. If you opt for in-store shopping, plan your route to avoid wasting time and energy navigating crowded malls. Make a game plan for shopping and travel times. Many companies start their Black Friday sales early in the morning or late on Thanksgiving night, and you want to ensure you don’t miss out. Black Friday shopping can be intense, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes to prioritize your safety and comfort. Consider bringing snacks, water, and a power bank for your devices.

For online shopping, check your internet connection is stable and your devices are charged the night before. Consider having tabs open to the online stores you plan on shopping. If you are an Amazon shopper, add items you know will be going on sale to a list or even to your cart so you can quickly check out.

Despite thorough preparation, it's possible that some items on your list might be out of stock or the store might be busier than anticipated. Stay flexible and keep a calm attitude. Have backup options in mind, and don't let minor setbacks ruin your shopping experience. If an item you had your heart set on is no longer available, know that many stores make huge sales after the holidays with discounts that are often as good (if not better) than their Black Friday Deals. Lastly, be kind to any in-store staff members or online customer service representatives as you shop. They are working during the holiday season so that we can all enjoy this wonderful time of year.

Preparing for Black Friday shopping requires a combination of research, planning, and a disciplined approach to spending. By creating a shopping list, setting a budget, signing up for alerts, planning your shopping method, prioritizing safety, and maintaining flexibility, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the exciting world of Black Friday deals while maximizing savings and minimizing stress.

Don’t forget to check out our yearly Black Friday Pre-Sale and Black Friday Sales too. We will announce our upcoming sale dates, discounts, and new items in the upcoming weeks on our social media account and through our email newsletter. Happy shopping!