Holiday Shopping On Black Friday

Here is a great list to help you with your holiday shopping plan! Be sure to think through your time line for Black Friday, and follow your list.

1. Create a List: Once you have had a conversation with all your family members on what they are wishing for, you can match up those ideas with your budget. Decide who is going to receive a gift from you, and how much you will spend on each person. A list with names is a great way to start, and with the items you are going to buy. Not everyone needs a gift of equal pricing, as sometimes a simple gift is much more appreciated, versus an expense that they would feel unsure about. Remember, you are buying for them, not for you.

2. Match your person to gift, gift to store: This is a key piece of the puzzle, as some people are wishing for a Blu-Ray player, or some a new set of gloves. Your electronic gifts and presents need to be matched to your big box electronic retailer, and your fashion forward gift should be matched at a department store. You can guess this match pretty much on local availability in your area, and then go from there!

3. Plan to pick up a paper: The Thanksgiving paper usually is available on Wednesday, so you can get a jump on it with this large shoppers compendium. There are going to be offers in the paper that you can not get anywhere else. Be sure to get your list developed and then with list in hand, pull out the flyers and the paper's contents that match your list. You will be able to adjust your store choice based on the offers shown.

4. Avoid two for offers, unless you really need two items: This usually will encourage you to buy more, and spend more. Just stick with simple discounts, and be sure to compare offers with your paper.

5. Check your stores operating hours, and plan for the early openings first: You should list next to your person/gift/store/hours on your list. This way, you are going to ensure you have all your shopping done with the best offers available. Many stores will offer a 10-20% discount or a free give away if you arrive on Thanksgiving or early in the morning before 11 am. You can really do well if you arrive early and wait in line to get in for certain items that are on sale.

6. Buy your most exclusive gift first: If you are buying something that is sure to sell out first, you may want to find that item before Black Friday comes, and take care of that item first. Do not wait for a sale on this item! You can always return to the store on Black Friday, and see if they will give you a discount on a purchase. Sometimes, they will adjust for the sale, but do not be disappointed if you do not get an adjustment. You should feel lucky you have a very rare item, and it is ready for you under the tree. Keep perspective, and be kind to the store employees, as this is a very stressful and busy time for them.

7. Do not drive too far: Try to map your list too, by not only listing person/gift/store/hours but also person/gift/store/hours/location. This way if store #1 is just across the road from store #2, you can park in one location and walk or RUN! to the second store, and then be on your way. Trust me, parking and location options will make or break your ability to get into stores.

8. Pair your plan with another family member or friend: If you are really serious about this, plan your trip with another dedicated shopper. One of you can do the picking off the shelves, and the other can stand in line. That way, you both can benefit from the thrill of the hunt!

9. Dress in comfortable clothing: Layers and comfortable shoes are important, because you are going to be standing and waiting in line a lot. It will be important for you to have layers, as the stores can get very warm or cool depending on what is happening where you are. Be sure to bring a bag you can cross over your shoulder, or that can be worn on your back. You will need to keep it simple!

10. Eat something, and bring tools: Be sure to bring your phone, a couple of waters, more in the car, some granola bars, an apple or some fruit, nuts, and your list. Your list is going to ensure you are successful!

Your temptation is to buy things on this day, because they are a good deal. You should be very careful not to defer from your list. The master marketers are going to try and get you in the door with door busters and freebies, but if you are not going to find a gift at that store, the freebie is going to cost you dearly. There is no reason to get a free tin of popcorn if you are not going to buy any sunglasses this year.

Stay focused on your list, as the entire purpose of your shopping trip is to cross off items from your list. You may see many things that are good deals, but it can wait. If it is not on your list, you need to let it go.

The other temptation is that you can not find something on your list, and you end up buying any old gift. If it is not on your list, try to not make last minute substitutes. Your plan has been carefully thought through, and you can always get your gift online if you need to. Be sure to not make substitute choices, that will cost you time and money, as you are really after the deals that match your gift list.

Besides your Walgreens and CVS being open on Thanksgiving, there are going to be a couple of new stores open on Thanksgiving this year! Here is a list:

Walmart open 24 hours on Thanksgiving! This is not news to most Walmart shoppers who know you can usually knock on the door at any time of year, and someone is inside and will let you in! The rural Walmart's in Wisconsin are like a nightclub all Friday and Saturday night!

Kmart is open all day on Thanksgiving
The Gap is open from 9am to 9pm on Thanksgiving
Banana Republic is open from 11am to 6pm on Thanksgiving
Old Navy is open from noon to7pm on Thanksgiving
Sears for the first time, is open on Thanksgiving

Toys R Us, Bath and Body Works, and Victoria's Secret are open at Midnight on Thanksgiving

You can hit Target only first thing on Friday AM. Kind of takes the joy out of Turkey Eaten' don't you think?

Walmart is open all day on Thanksgiving, Target opens at 4am, Kohl's at 3am, Sears is open on Thanksgiving, Macy's is opening at 4am, and Your local Tractor Supply opens at 6am.

Whew!

Kmart is open all day on Thanksgiving and many outlet malls are open starting at Midnight on Thanksgiving staying open through the following day...coffee is in order!