Black Friday Strategies

Black Friday is exactly 2 WEEKS away and lemmie tell you…ish is about to go down! Typically in the past I cross the border to take advantage of the American sales but in recent years the Canadians have caught on and decided to join in on the shopping madness. So for that reason and the fact the exchange rate is sucking ass for us right now, I’m shopping local. I’m just waiting for the day Canadian stores open their doors midnight for that authentic American experience! For you newbies, I have some strategies for you to get through the insanity that is BLACK FRIDAY!

Naughty or Nice

This day is great for you to pick up Christmas gifts. MAKE A LIST of people on you are giving gifts to! Going in blind will waste your time and your money. This will help you keep track of those you already bought gifts for and those your need to buy for.

Do Your Homework
Look at physical and online flyers for Black Friday. MAKE A LIST (yes, another one) of things you want to get. Divide your list by store so you know exactly where you found the deal. Read the fine prints in the ads and bring coupons, gift certificates, and membership cards!  Make sure you are aware of the regular price. Marketing can get sneaky during the holidays with companies making you THINK you are saving money when you aren’t really. Figure out the TIMES stores open and what door busters they have. Half of the Black Friday Battle is being prepared.

Top Priority

A ton of stores always end up having door busters. If the items you want are part of the door buster deal, make sure you make a note the TIME they go on sale. Then you prioritize what stores to hit first and what items to grab first!

Map Your Route

Yes. MOST of the time the stores we need to hit aren’t located in the same place. Once you have prioritized which stores to go to make a travel plan. Zipping around town aimlessly is another waste of your time.

Radio Frequency

If you are shopping with others you will find this extremely helpful. Bring walkie talkies. This way you can communicate with each other quickly and conveniently if you are in the same vicinity. I’m hardcore, I know. Yah you have cell phones which work great...if you are shopping in a group of 2 in an area of consistent reception. Walkies are perfect in a larger party if you intend to split up.

Ready andddd...BREAK!
Splitting up may be your best strategy especially if door busters and store openings are happening at the same time. Exchange store lists and cover more ground. This is important if you are aiming to get some hot ticket items.

One In One Out

Black Friday is known for crazy mobs and long lines. If you are in a group in a store with an outrageously long line, remember to work as a team.  Have one person stand in line while others browse. Tag that person out so they can get what they need.  That way you hold your spot in line without wasting time.

Hydrate & Nourish

It is CUCIAL for you to eat something heavy before you start your spree. Make sure to bring a snack with you to hold you over between meals because about 4-5 hours in, your stomach will begin to get grumbly. Hunger cannot stop you. Eating will slow you down. Bring water and drink coffee.

Wardrobe Ninja

What pisses me off about this shopping event is that there are stores who block off their change rooms.  And if they don’t chances are, there is a long line up to get in there. So my staple outfit is a tank top, a warm breathable cardigan, a pair of leggings, & easy wear shoes. This makes it easy for me to try things on in the store without needing the change room. Yah, I'm one of those people. I make sure my bag is either a cross body or a backpack so it’s out of the way and easy to carry.

Leave Your Bitching At Home
This is a CRAZY shopping day. So expect crowds, lines, wait times, and sold out items. If you can't handle the madness, don't participate in it. Nothing worse than standing in a long line and having someone bitch about how long it's taking. Yes we know, we are all here waiting with you. Unfortunately you don't have as much patience as us.

Happy shopping! Be safe! & Be kind to others!