SCI 626: How To...Black Friday Shop...the Right Way!

I am a person who loves lists. I make lists for everything! I like to be organized and prepared for the simplest things, so it is no surprise that I take Black Friday shopping seriously and prepare for it with great care and consideration. I know what some of you are thinking (especially the men)! How hard is it to shop? Just show up, get what you need, pay for it, and leave. However, those of us who Black Friday shop religiously, are trying to contain the chaotic laughter from erupting and boiling over! Sit back, relax, and let a professional (this title is self-appointed) shopper tell you how it works!

Step One: Location, Location, Location!
You have to know where you want to shop. If you only plan on going to Wal-Mart, then you can probably stay in your own town. However, for those of us who have limited shopping, yet want to visit a variety of stores, it is best to choose a big city that isn't too far away. Once you have a city chosen, you'll need to decide if you will drive up there on the actual shopping day, or if you'll drive up the night before and stay in a hotel. *Notice* A hotel must not be booked until the details of Step Two and Step Three are finalized.

Step Two: Store Preparation
Once you know where you will be shopping, you need to figure out which stores are available. This part seems easy, but you HAVE to be organized. Start researching advertisements no less than one week before the big day. Know what you want! Make a list (Microsoft Word works well for this, or even Excel) of each store that you want to visit by giving each store its own column. Then, under each store name, write down each item that you want from that particular store. Organize the items by section (ex. Electronics, Toys, Clothing, etc.). So, you'll have a spreadsheet with columns (stores) that are broken down by department and then by item.

Step Three: Mapping
This can get tricky! You'll have to decide the order in which you want to visit the stores. This can be done by determining which items you want the most. On Black Friday, the items with the best deals go the fastest. Once you know the order, look on a map and get the fastest directions from store to store. You can go to mapquest.com and do this. Be sure to print out the map with the destinations marked, as well as the directions!

Step Four: Hotel
Once you know where you want to go, you need to locate a hotel that is close to the first store that you want to visit. If you plan on camping out at the first store, then power to you! I for one, prefer a nice, warm comfy bed! :)

Step Five: Dress Properly
Check the weather and dress accordingly. Layering is always great! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that support your arches! Also, you will probably try on clothing, so don't wear a turtle neck or anything else that may be annoying to take on and off.

Step Six: B-E-A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E Aggressive...Be-e Aggressive!
All the cheerleaders in the house say, "Holla"! LOL! Anway, don't expect to patty-cake your way into a store. You may have to run! You may even have to elbow your way to that last $75 camera, but just do it! ...but do it with a smile! :)

I have found that Black Friday shopping is a lot of fun. People can get a little crazy, but for the most part, it's a great experience...as long as you're prepared!