Black Friday is considered the beginning of Christmas shopping season, with major retail stores offering huge promotional sales. Since 2005 it’s been the busiest shopping day of the year! The name originally referred to the blackout of car and pedestrian traffic in city centers caused by post-Thanksgiving shopping. If you’re ready to brave the shopping storm, Hazelview has a list of ways to navigate the Black Friday crowds like a pro this year.
Make a List Prior to Going Shopping
Narrowing down a set list of what you want or need can cut your shopping time in half, and reduce the amount of time you wait in lines and dodging wide-eyed shoppers. This is tough to do; one of the things with flash sales like Black Friday is not knowing exactly what will be on sale. While almost every retailer advertises incessantly before Black Friday, they still like to draw shoppers into their brick and mortar locations by offering surprise sales on items only available in-store. Stay strong, stick to your list and save yourself a headache this year.
Don’t Take the Kids
Let’s face it; your kids slow you down. In retail stores where space is tight and hordes of people race through the aisles and checkout lines, keeping track of your kids can be a nightmare. It might be best to shop solo on Black Friday. Even if you’re picking up items specifically for your kids, it’s easier to do it with them safely and happily at home.
Arrive Early
Showing up in the mid-afternoon or early evening on Black Friday is near-insanity. At the very least, you’ll be looking at empty shelves, and crowded aisles. Show up early and beat the rush. Stores tend to open even earlier on Black Friday. You might have to wait in entrance lines, but you’ll generally run into fewer people and have a better chance at snagging the items you want.
Shop Online
Avoid the Black Friday crowds by skipping the madness! While Cyber Monday seems like it has the online side of retail sales more or less wrapped up, Black Friday is pretty much the same. Most of the promotions and products you’ll find in the store will also be available online, and as always with e-commerce, there’s no need to negotiate crowds, deal with cash, or worry about getting your purchase home.
Want to avoid the masses on Black Friday? We hope these tips from Hazelview help you make the most of your shopping experience. For more information about Hazelview Properties in your city, please visit our website.