Black Friday Survival Guide

Black Friday is THE busiest shopping day of the year. There’s lots of hustle and bustle, and everyone is scrambling to snag the best deals. To help make your Black Friday experience as easy as possible, we’re offering up our Top 5 insider tips so you can shop smarter. Consider this our Black Friday Survival Guide!

1) Create a shopping list. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s really the key to making the most of your Black Friday shopping. Write a detailed list of who you’re shopping for (including yourself) and what you need to get, including sizes and color preferences for each person. To help you plan your shopping trip, check out our store directory to map out your day.

2) Build your budget. If money is tight, a budget is essential. Even if money isn’t tight, a budget will help keep you from over-spending. Decide how much money you have available to spend total and/or per person, and then stick to that number. This will help you cut down on impulse buys as well. To save even bigger bucks, be sure to check out our deals page ahead of time to find what stores are having the biggest sales!

3) Be realistic! Everyone is shopping on Black Friday, so expect lines and some waiting. It’s part of the fun. If you aren’t ready for that much social interaction but still want the Black Friday deals, consider buy online, pick up in-store or curbside pick-up opportunities offered at some mall stores. Just keep yourself in the holiday spirit! If you start to get irritable, take some cleansing breaths, and remember – it’s only shopping.

4) Take care of yourself on Black Friday! Dress comfortably; wear your best sneakers and your comfiest pants. We recommend wearing layers, as it can be chilly in some stores and much warmer in others. A backpack or cross body bag is also a win – it not only frees up your hands but are both perfectly on-trend accessories! Plus, allow time for meals or snacks as not eating or drinking only leaves you tired and irritable. You can even plan your fuel-up stops by viewing our food options.

5) Make It Fun! Shopping is 1,000 times more fun when you’re with others. Plus, you’ll have someone to help you make the tough decisions AND to help carry your purchases throughout the day! Make it fun by dressing alike, or wearing holiday-themed T-shirts, headbands, or jingle bells…whatever fits your style and shows other shoppers you’re having fun! Take time for a photo with your group – if you’re feeling extra festive, incorporate the big guy into your photo! You’ll find info on Santa photo reservations on our Santa's Workshop page.