How To: Black Friday

In a matter of just a few days, Thanksgiving will be upon us. That means lots of extra helpings of mashed potatoes and turkey and cranberry sauce. For some, it also means Black Friday Eve. Black Friday is a huge event where lots of stores open up early and have a ton of huge sales. Some people go crazy over this and wake up really early in the morning and just spend the entire day shopping at the mall.

Black Friday has earned the reputation of being a nightmare. There are huge lines and tons of people and chaos everywhere. Yet there are ways to avoid this and have a successful day. With just a few tips, you can have a great experience shopping on Black Friday and actually accomplish a lot of holiday shopping.

#1 Plan Ahead

Make sure that you have an explicit list of items that you would like to buy. Know in advance what size clothing you need and how much you expect it to cost. There are many apps that you can use to keep track of your shopping list, as well as apps to keep track of any coupons you may have. The night before, make sure to set your alarm and have your clothing and bags laid out.

#2 The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Go to the mall (or wherever it is that you are going shopping) at least a half an hour before stores open. This ensures that you will get a parking spot and have plenty of time to shop. 

#3 No Small Children or Strollers

Black Friday is going to be hectic, whether or not you are fully prepared for it. There will be long, tight lines and people everywhere. Bringing strollers and little kids into the mix will not end up well. So leave them at home with a baby sitter. 

#4 Be Polite

There is absolutely no need to fight someone for a cute pair of shoes or a shiny new toy. The store will be re-stocked soon enough and you can come back and get it later, even if it isn’t for the same great price. Also, being nice to the workers is really helpful because they have spent a lot of time preparing for this day and trying to keep everyone and everything in order. Just overall, be a nice person. 

#5 Keep Calm and Carry On

The last, most important tip is to stay calm. Black Friday is a crazy day and at times, you will feel very stressed. The key is to keep your cool. Under no circumstances should you ever be fighting with other customers or the workers. Stay in your line, follow the rules, and you should be fine. Remember that this is just one day out of the year where they have huge sales. There will be more sale days and more time for you to shop for gifts for the holidays. 

Have a happy, and safe, Black Friday!

Written by Erin Hampton

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