Saving During the “Super Bowl of Shopping” – Black Friday

[TaraCrooksUSAA]

The day after Thanksgiving – this year November 28th - is known as Black Friday. Why Black Friday? Historically, many retailers report some of their highest profits on this day. Being in the “black” relates to businesses recording their losses in red ink and gains in black. Hence the “black” portion of the name.

Though it may be hard to believe due to retailer’s shelves bursting at the seams with Christmas merchandise as early as July – insanity, I tell you -- many retailers count Black Friday as the official start of holiday shopping season.

For bargain hunters, Black Friday is the Super bowl of shopping – the biggest sale day of the year! Almost all stores will have some sort of door buster deals or early bird specials to attract consumers to their stores. People stand in line hours before a store is opened to grab the bargain of the year.

Here are some tips for you to make the most of your Black Friday shopping:

• Most ads are in the paper on Thanksgiving Day. You can also look online for the Black Friday deals at your favorite store’s website.

• Decide what you want in advance. Chances are you can’t be everywhere at once, so decide which item is an absolute must have.

• Give preference to big ticket items or items that offer the most savings.

• If you have friends or family joining you, see if it is possible to “divide and conquer”. 

• Check price matching policies and coupon policies at every store you’re visiting (and even those you’re not).

• You could consider buying in advance and getting prices adjusted on Black Friday. Just be sure to ask the store if they will adjust first. 

• Buy only what you need. You’re not saving if you don’t need it.

• Ready for the best tip? Shop Online! Most Black Friday items are available in store and online. You will not have to wait in line and you’ll save money on gas too. Just be sure to search for your online coupons and watch for free shipping.

These are all great tips, but my best advice if you are headed out this Nov 28th is to pack a snack and a drink – no one likes a “hangry” shopper - wear your most comfortable supportive shoes, know your budget and pack a calculator, and be ready to move! We would love for you to share with us how you did on your shopping adventure!

Have something to add? Share your input below.

[Pwoj]

Great tips, however Black Friday was coined in the early 1960's by the Philadelphia police to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicular traffic in Center City. It was a negative, not a positive. It wasn't until the mid to late 80's that retailers worked to change the meaning of the term because they wanted to put a more positive spin on a financially successful day. Just some food for thought.