Suit up, people. Black Friday approaches and with a history of stampedes, multiple deaths, and shootouts it’s important you know what to bring, what to do, and how much you’re willing to sacrifice for the good deals.
If Nov. 23 is going to be your first Black Friday experience, prepare yourself for a mess of chaotic circumstances and aggressive shoppers willing to take you down for the deals. Prepare to deal with these things with a serious lack of sleep, as you will be waking up at ungodly hours, only to meet a line of people who’ve already been camping out for hours in order to beat you to that flat screen you were hoping for. Taking on the brunt of Black Friday can be a challenge, but can dole out excellent rewards.
(Robert R. Denton/CU Independent Illustration)
Make a plan. First and foremost, if you have any hope of getting to the $200 flat—screen or $3 sweaters before everyone else has had their pick of the lot, you’ll need a plan. You’ll also need a certain amount of passion and dedication, because if you’re not willing to wake up at 4:00 am for your prize, there’s no chance.
Stick to a list. Once submersed in the low prices and tempting offers, it may be difficult to show self restraint. By making a list you’re setting a budget and will be less inclined to make impulse buys. Research the items on your list, the prices, and which stores to find the best deals. Know also, when you choose your store, you’re choosing your battleground.
Question your commitment. Once you have a grasp on where it is you’ll be duking it out for the best bargains, how much are you willing to commit to your items? Levels of commitment include camping outside the store to be first in line and the first to fly through those doors the next morning; getting there just when the store opens to be a part of the first rush, but not guaranteed to get what you want; or being the casual shopper arriving sometime throughout the day to peruse the store for the remaining bargains after the morning chaos has died down.
Know your store. If you plan on being an early riser and taking on the challenge of beating everyone else to the best deals, take into account you’ll need a general idea of the store, if not a solid layout of the grounds. Take a walk—through of the store before Black Friday to determine where the things you plan to buy are located, so when they open the doors in the morning, you will have a predetermined destination and won’t aimlessly be wandering around in search of your prize.
Shop at your own risk. While it’s fun to joke about how bloodthirsty and crazy some shoppers can get, stampedes are a real danger. They have happened multiple times in recent years, and because they have been lethal, prioritize your safety over shopping.
So with these tips to aid you, be safe, good luck, and happy Black Friday shopping.
Opening Times for popular stores:
Best Buy: Midnight
Kohl’s: Midnight
Macy’s: Midnight
Sports Authority: Midnight
JC Penney: 4 a.m.
Target: Midnight
Radio Shack: 6 a.m.
