10 things to know about Black Friday shopping
Print- •
-
Share
- Share this item
-
Grab the link
Copy and paste the link:
- Blog about it
- Close
- •
-
Post a Comment
- •
Favorite- •
SNEAK PEEK
Want a look at the Black Friday deals before the ads hit your doorstep? A variety of Web sites offer advance looks at this season's advertisements. Visit BlackFriday2009.com.
It's that time of year again, when everybody's gearing up for something.
Grandma's prepping her Thanksgiving feast while Aggies and Longhorns await the big game and Junior peruses the toy catalog.
Geni Sanchez, however, is readying for Black Friday, the event many regard as the biggest shopping day of the year.
"I go every year," said Sanchez, who owns Geni's Hair Reflections in Victoria. "They have very good sales early in the morning."
Day-after-Thanksgiving shopping is likely to play a more important role this year than in previous seasons as consumers look for deals, according to The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs' 2009 Holiday Spending Survey.
The survey, which questioned 1,000 randomly-selected respondents, found that 16 percent planned to begin holiday shopping on Black Friday.
That's an all-time high, according to an ICSC news release. 2006 held the previous high, with 13 percent of respondents beginning shopping the day after Thanksgiving.
Consumers expect to spend an average $543 on gifts during the holiday season and an added $133 on gift cards, according to the survey.
Sanchez said she wasn't sure exactly what she planned to spend this season, but said she's ready to do some shopping.
The deals are worth battling the crowds, she said, and her clients at the salon don't seem to mind.
"They all know I'll be out shopping on Black Friday," she said with a chuckle. "They work around it."
Want to get the most out of this year's day-after-Thanksgiving shopping? A few pros offer these tips:
1. Go in with a plan.
Peruse advertisements and know which items you're looking for. Map out which stores you plan to hit and when. Organization helps the day go by more easily.
2. Take store advertisements along.
It's easier to show a sales associate what you're looking for than to describe it, and speeds the process along.
3. Grab up in-demand items first.
Toys and electronics are often the first to go during Black Friday shopping, so it's best to visit those sections first. After that, shoppers can head to items in other areas at a more leisurely pace.
4. Be prepared to wait.
Whether it's standing in line outside soon-to-open stores or waiting for a cash register to become available, waiting is inevitable on Black Friday. Don't get too frustrated.
5. Shop safe.
Keep an eye on shopping bags, be careful with cash and pay attention to the surroundings. When it comes to the car, park in a lighted area, keep valuables and purchases out of view and lock doors and windows.
6. Dress appropriately.
Layers are often a good idea because they keep a person warm while in line outside, but can be removed if things get warm inside. Comfortable shoes are a must.
7. Save receipts.
Receipts help if an item needs to be returned or exchanged. They also help shoppers track how much they've spent overall.
8. Don't get flustered if items sell out.
There's always a chance the item will become available later into the season, and sales associates can often help shoppers find something else they'll like just as much.
9. Sales associates: Don't stress.
Shoppers sometimes get frustrated on Black Friday, but remember they've probably been up for a long time. Be patient and remember it's your job to make the customers happy.
10. Want to avoid crowded shops altogether? Cyber Monday might be the answer.
Online deals are often available the Monday after Thanksgiving, which signals the official kick-off to Internet holiday shopping. For an early glimpse at Cyber Monday deals, visit CyberMonday.com.
