It’s the busiest in-store shopping day of the year, and tomorrow, I’ll shop on Black Friday for the first time in years. With friends and family members to shop for, I’ve made a plan in hopes of navigating the crowds, snagging the best deals, all while maintaining my sanity. Here are my tips for shopping on Black Friday!
1. Do your homework. I’ve been subscribed to email newsletters from my favorite retailers for weeks in anticipation of receiving a first look at their Black Friday sales. For example, I received an email regarding Walmart’s Black Friday ad as soon as it went live. This has allowed me to keep an eye on the prices of specific items, since I know that many sales happen before the actual day. While I definitely recommend looking through ads online, this is one instance where picking up your local newspaper will be beneficial. I like to physically look through each ad, marking the items I am interested in so that I have them in handwhile shopping.
2. Make a list. Simply put, a list will help keep you focused on the task at hand. Having a written list will also prevent you from making purchases you did not intend to make, particularly important if you’re striving to stick to a budget.
Walmart's New App
Coupons Available on Walmart's New App
3. Make a plan. Write down a tentative list of stores you want to frequent including their hours of operation. Download your local mall’s map to your phone. Install your favorite retailer’s app on your smartphone. Print or clip any coupons you’ll need for Black Friday.
Walmart's Holiday Shopping Map
4. Get an early start. Given the fact that there have been people camped out at stores since Monday (yikes!), I would highly encourage you to get a good night’s sleep on Thanksgiving Day so that you can wake up early to shop. Some sales are time-specific and very often stores will offer early-bird specials. And it goes without saying that the earlier you shop, the more likely it is that your item won’t sell out.
5. Take care of you. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks, and take breaks for meals.
After a full day of shopping, you may find that items sold out before you had a chance to purchase them or prices were not what you expected. Remember that Cyber Monday is just around the corner. The best part is, you can shop from the comfort of your home without having to navigate through the crowds.
While you are shopping, remember Walmart’s Christmas Price Guarantee and Competitive Ad Match Policy.
How do you navigate the busiest shopping day of the year?
Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.
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