For some, the annual Black Friday shopping spree signals the beginning of the holiday season. For others, it’s just a way to find good deals. Either way, make a plan ahead of time, so you can save time and money!
Have a Savings Strategy
Since sale prices sometimes vary by time of day, decide where you want to shop and when.* Another tip before you hit the stores is to create a list of price comparisons, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deals. Browse and compare retailers’ ads in the Thanksgiving Day newspaper, or check out their ads online.
Remember to schedule breaks for food during the day – you need to keep your energy up for all that bargain hunting!
Play it Safe
Try to shop in a group, even if it’s just a few people, since it will likely still be dark when you get started. Make sure you all have each other’s cell phone numbers in case anyone gets separated or loses track of time. Keep an eye on your shopping cart (and your purse or wallet) – you never know when someone might take your merchandise if there’s none left on the shelf! If you take your little ones along for the shopping adventure, be sure to keep them by your side or have another adult in your group watch them. It’s too easy to get lost in the crowd, so pick a central meeting location just in case you get separated.
As for the parking lot, try to conceal items that you leave in your car. Lock them in your trunk or place them under seats and out of sight. If your vehicle gets too full to hide your purchases, you might want to make a quick stop at home to drop them off. This will also give you some time to catch your breath, relax for a bit and get a drink of water or a snack.
Don’t Want to Handle the Crowd?
Stay Home! With the amount of websites offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, many shoppers now prefer to simply stay at home and shop online. You can still find some great deals in the comfort of your own living room, and you don’t even have to change out of your pajamas! Do your research beforehand to find the best offers on shopping-comparison sites. Just make sure the deals you find are from reliable, secure websites.
*Schedule your first stop at King Soopers to buy gift cards for the retailers of your choice. You can use them like cash when you shop, and SAVE on fuel!