It’s almost that time of year again – time to get in the savings spirit and gear up for the big Black Friday shopping bonanza! Black Friday has evolved into far more than just a single day – it’s become a weeks-long affair of deals, doorbusters, and discounts both online and in stores. With some preparation and savvy shopping strategies, you can save big this Black Friday season.
History of Black Friday
To understand the frenzy behind Black Friday, it helps to understand how it originated and expanded over the years.
Origins and Early Years
The term “Black Friday” dates back to the 1960s, referring to the rampant congestion and traffic jams that occurred in Philadelphia before the Army-Navy football game. Retailers also used the term to represent when their balance sheets went “in the black” for profits.
Evolution into a Major Shopping Holiday
In the 1980s and 90s, Black Friday grew into a major retail event across the U.S. Stores started opening earlier and offering special sales. As retailers saw success, Black Friday became an annual tradition and the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season.
The Rise of Online Black Friday
With the surge of e-commerce, Black Friday evolved to include major online sales beginning in the early 2000s. Retailers launch Cyber Monday digital deals, and Black Friday morphed into a broader holiday sale season both online and in-store.
Your Black Friday Game Plan
Approaching Black Friday prepared and with a strategy is the key to saving big. Here are some tips for your Black Friday game plan:
Make a Budget
Decide how much you want to spend for the entire season and for Black Friday specifically. Making a budget prevents overspending.
Research Deals and Ads
Start scanning Black Friday ads and emails as early as October. Make a list of the best deals on your must-have items.
Map Your Route
Plan which stores to hit and in what order. Location mapping apps can optimize your shopping route to save time.
Black Friday Shopping Strategies
On the big day, employ these strategies to get the best deals and maximize savings:
Arrive Early
The early bird gets the worm – and the doorbusters! Plan to arrive at least an hour before opening for the best selection and stock.
Price Match Guarantee
If you find a better price later in the day, ask the retailer to price match on the spot. Most major retailers offer price matching.
Stack Deals and Coupons
Check for coupons and promo codes to stack on top of already reduced Black Friday prices for extra savings. Retailers like Target offer an extra discount for those who use their app or credit card.
Black Friday Shopping Tips
A few additional tips can ensure you shop smart and make the most of retailers’ Black Friday deals:
Create Wish Lists
Use retailers’ online wish lists to save products you want so they’re easy to find on Black Friday. You can add to wish lists year-round as ideas strike.
Compare Prices Online
Use price comparison sites and apps to research if the discounted Black Friday price is really the best deal you can find.
Use Apps to Save
Retailer apps offer exclusive app-only deals and early access to some Black Friday sales before they go live on the website. Download retailer apps like Amazon, Walmart.com and Target to save.
Conclusion
With proper planning and savvy shopping strategies, you can shop smarter, not harder, and make the most of the holiday deals this Black Friday season. Track ads, map your Black Friday attack plan, take advantage of price matching, get early access with apps and employ stackable coupons. By preparing and strategizing, you can shop, save and repeat this Black Friday – and for many more to come.
FAQs
Q: What is Cyber Monday?
A: Cyber Monday is the Monday after Black Friday, focused on exclusive online deals from retailers.
Q: When does Black Friday start?
A: Black Friday sales tend to start the week before Thanksgiving, around November 18-22 this year.
Q: Are Black Friday deals only available in stores?
A: No – nowadays most major retailers launch Black Friday deals simultaneously online to make them accessible for all shoppers.
Q: Can I return a Black Friday purchase if it goes on sale later?
A: Most retailers allow returns and will offer a price adjustment if the item goes on sale post-purchase within the return period.
Q: Are Black Friday deals worth it?
A: If you shop strategically, create a budget and focus on big-ticket items not normally discounted, Black Friday deals can offer huge savings.
