Shopping the day after Thanksgiving is not for retail rookies. If you want to score the real deals, now’s the time to plan your strategy.
1. Start with a plan. Visit BlackFriday2011.com, BFAds.net, BlackFriday.info and other Black Friday websites for advance info on sales. Mobile apps such as Black FlyDay let you browse ads, find store locations and create shopping lists on your smart phone.
2. Use social media. Check Facebook and Twitter pages for coupons and late-breaking sales alerts. Visit store and mall websites for hours, maps and coupons.
3. Get the paper on Thanksgiving. It will be filled with special sales flyers and coupons.
4. Decide what time you’re heading out. Kmart and some Old Navy and Gap stores will have Thanksgiving Day hours; Walmart is opening at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night; Best Buy, Target, Kohl’s and Disney stores will open at midnight. To snag an early bird special, you’ll have to be at the head of the line.
5. Check return policies before you go. Put your wallet in an inside pocket and keep track of receipts. (One-third of all gifts get returned.)
6. Wear comfortable shoes, carry bottled water, and leave your coat in the car. Don’t even consider trying to maneuver the crowds with a stroller or toddler.
7. This is not the time for casual browsing, so know what you’re looking for. Harried store clerks won’t have time to hold your hand or explain the finer points of a flat screen television or digital camera.
8. Be decisive and don’t backtrack. If you see something you like, buy it immediately. It won’t be there when you go back.
9. Don’t make unnecessary trips. Many stores will match prices so bring ads and sales flyers.
10. Be sure that your credit cards are in good working order. You don’t want to get up to the register and have your card denied because you’ve gone over your limit. Stay focused. Don’t get caught up in the frenzy and buy stuff you don’t want or need.
