Black Friday: A shopping game plan

Doorbuster deals and hot ticket items, it’s time for Black Friday—the shopper’s paradise.

Black Friday shopping

This year, plenty of stores will open for Black Friday as soon as the Thanksgiving stuffing ends, at midnight. (Photo: Creative Commons)

And the best part this year, plenty of stores will open as soon as the Thanksgiving stuffing ends, at midnight. Don’t worry, you can let the food sit as you line up after dinner.

Not sure which stores open their doors early or what the best deals are? It’s covered. Here you’ll find quick tips for being the most productive on the busiest shopping day of the year and some secret perks for those bargain hunting warriors.

Now go ahead, get an edge over the competition and power through the stampede of shoppers.

How to shop:

    View Scanned Black Friday ads

    Looking to flip through the Black Friday ads beforehand so you don’t miss a thing, check out www.bfads.net, they have a complete list of stores, hours and updates on newly added online and Black Friday deals.

  • Know what you want. You can’t walk into the store and browse. You have to sprint through or you’ll lose the race. Have a list prepared with the items you want and who you’re shopping for.
  • Shop alone or with a Black Friday-minded buddy that’s willing to take turns standing in line while the other does the shopping. If you travel in packs or with a shopping slug, you’ll end up wasting precious price time.
  • Look for deals on luxury items. You’re looking for things that aren’t usually on sale throughout year. If you spot a pair of cashmere gloves, an oh-so-soft sweater and scarf, nab it. These items are great giftable purchases.
  • Skip the stores. Sites like amazon.com and Walmart.com are among some of the stores offering early bird-online only Black Friday deals on TVs.
  • Take the ads with you. Not only will you have a visual to go by, but you’ll have the proof in case you need to price match. Walmart is one retailer that is price matching this year. Some ads also offer an extra discount coupon on Black Friday deals.
  • Always save your receipt. It’s possible what you get may not be the lowest price of the holiday season or you may decide the ruffled, sequined skirt wasn’t the best idea for your niece.

What are some of your tips for hitting the sales?

Where to shop–

Black Friday shopping

Lines at some stores will start forming early this year since some will open their doors at 12 a.m. Friday. (Photo: Creative Commons)

Store hours: It is highly suggested that you check with your local store to confirm Black Friday sale hours.

Toys “R” Us opens at 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Day

Midnight shopping:

Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Express, some JCPenny locations and Bass Pro Shops open their doors 12 a.m. Friday. Malls and outlets with midnight include:

Lake Elsinore Outlets

Promenade Temecula

Desert Hills Premium Outlets

Galleria at Tyler

Ontario Mills

Montclair Plaza

Need a little boost before heading over to the 4 a.m. and after sales? Some Starbucks, including the one off Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta, will open their drive-thrus at 2 a.m. Drink up and move on!

Happy shopping!

 

Perks for Black Friday shoppers–

Holiday shopping

Some shopping centers will offer perks for Black Friday shoppers like free goody bags filled with gifts, coupons and chances to win free items. (Photo: File)

Lake Elsinore Outlets: KFROG will be on hand doing a live radio remote from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. and the first 300 visitors to the KFROG booth at 3 a.m. near the entrance to Nike will receive one free admission ticket to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park.

KOLA will also host a live radio remote from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The first 250 visitors to the KOLA booth at 8 a.m., also near the entrance to Nike, will receive one free Snow Valley ski ticket.

Galleria at Tyler: Shoppers who spend $150 or more will receive a $20 mall gift card. To receive the gift card, shoppers must present same day receipts at the Redemption Zone while supplies last.

Moreno Valley Mall and Montclair Plaza: Both malls are hosting a goody bag giveaway at 7 a.m. along with a Holiday Scratcher Game. The first 500 shoppers will be given a tote bag filled with gifts, special store coupons and offers. The scratcher game offers a chance to win prizes including mall gift cards, movie tickets or one of 11 grand prizes including a “Let’s Rock Elmo,” Xbox 360, iPad and more.

 

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