On the day after Thanksgiving most Americans have two choices facing them: sleep in or head out for Black Friday savings. Yes, many workers are able to enjoy a four-day weekend which means that Friday is a day off. That also means if you choose to rise ‘n shine early and head out to the mall, you could enjoy some unusual savings if you shop carefully.
To be sure, there isn’t anything black about the Friday following Thanksgiving. It used to be the day when retailers saw their first profits of the year, as balance sheets moved from red (losses) to black (profits) on that day. Though still an important retailing event, merchants no longer expect Thanksgiving weekend alone to bring in the profits as seasonal sales help them reach that goal.
Christmas Shopping
In any case, Black Friday is still a day of significance for consumers as it is a good opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. In a bid to lure you in, merchants offer some of the best deals of the season, savings that can be had if you’re willing to get in when stores open which can be as early as 5 a.m.
But as you head out to the mall on Friday there are some things you should know: not everything is tagged at the absolutely lowest price nor are there always generous quantities of goods available. Thus, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:
Limited Quantities – A special item, such as a popular CD or video game may be available in limited quantities such as 200 per store. Moreover, the retailer could limit the number of purchases to two each, which means that you’ll need to think of other gift ideas for people on your list. Lastly, if you get to the store several hours later, inventory may be depleted.
Limited Time – Doorbuster sales are typically offered on Black Friday. What this means is that prices on select items are reduced for only a few hours before the sale ends. If your favorite store opens at 6 a.m., then the sale could be over by noon. The item you want may still be available, but perhaps at a much higher price.
Online Deals – A recent trend noted by some is where retailers say that certain in store deals are also available online through their website. But there may be a catch: not every doorbuster deal is featured online and you may have to wait until the retailer’s brick and mortar store is open before you can log on and find out. If it isn’t featured online, then you may have to scramble to throw on your clothes and head to the mall, but by then it could be too late.
Rain Checks – If the store’s sale policy is a favorable one, then they may offer a rain check to you on whatever items have sold out. This means that you may be able to get that item later at the Black Friday low price when it ships again. Be careful: some products take weeks to ship or your retailer may not be able to get the item back again. Too late for Christmas and you’ll be forced to find something else.
New Car
Not every Black Friday deal is a dud, but you need to read the fine print to see what restrictions apply and plan accordingly. Of course, if you’re the type of person who hates shopping at the mall on Thanksgiving weekend, take heart: the best day of the year to buy a new car is on Black Friday.
Photo Credit: Jay Lopez
Adv. — Whether you head out to the mall for Black Friday savings or shop online from the comfort (and warmth) of your home, a shopping list can help you keep everything organized. Download your free copy today from NBuy Plaza, home of more than 5,000 online merchants!
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