It’s nearing that time of year again when the holiday season is within sight, and the lure of all of its baubles and trimmings makes you want to fast forward, even just a little bit, to the good parts. While most people will spend their fourth Friday of November recovering from too many helpings of Thanksgiving fare and a healthy dose of holiday camaraderie, conversely, your appetite speaks for something more enticing. You’ll need a game plan if you intend to make the most out of Black Friday at department stores, as you plan on venturing in-store on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. You can have your pumpkin pie and eat it, too, if you do your due diligence with pre-shopping preparations. Browse online consumer reviews on Reviewsbird.com to ensure those Black Friday sales are worth the splurge, and check out the best department stores for Black Friday deals, from Roses to Retrofête.
Tips for Black Friday in-store sales
If past Black Friday sales are anything to go by, shoppers camping outside stores, queueing from midnight, and waking up at the crack of dawn has become a time-honored Black Friday tradition. A well-considered game plan, however, could be your golden ticket to getting what you want amidst the barrage of holiday shoppers. Consider keeping an eye out for Black Friday deals as early as October, as retailers respond to accommodate the changes in consumer demand. According to a recent Deloitte holiday survey, shoppers will get an early start on this upcoming shopping season.
How to plan for Black Friday
Prepare yourself for arguably the biggest shopping day of the year with these seasoned sale tips.
- Research the products you are interested in online first; for example, via genuine customer reviews and comparing prices between retailers to ensure you are getting the best deal
- Subscribe to receive newsletters from your favorite brands and follow their social media accounts to be the first to know when promotions and upcoming dates get announced.
- Check out the return policy on the items you would like to buy, especially if they are holiday gifts
- Establish your budget upfront and stick to it to dodge the in-store hype and overspend
- Map out the mall and department stores you will be visiting and prioritize popular items first to avoid missing out (Bonus tip: take a friend and split up to cover more ground)
- Prepare a backup plan if items sell out at the first store you plan to visit
- Avoid the crowds!
Where do people shop the most on Black Friday?
Now that you know what to do on Black Friday to bag the best deals, you should also consider where most of the retail rush will be with the return of in-store shopping post-pandemic. Retail experts speculate that the most significant portion of shopper budgets will go towards the basics rather than elaborate gifts, thus potentially leaving luxury splurges and popular products up for grabs. Popular national chains like Macy’s, Walmart, and Target have also developed a reputation for offering some of the best Black Friday promotions.
Are you ready to make the most out of Black Friday?
You’ve done your research, mapped the mall, and fine-tuned your budget; naturally, all that’s left to do now is enjoy the shopping spree. You aren’t alone with an estimated Black Friday spending forecast of $158 billion; besides, it’s not every day you get to splash out as you do over the holiday season, notably on gifts and goodies for loved ones and friends.
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