Black Friday Preview

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is only a week away, but.... that means Black Friday is only a week away, too! My mailbox was chocked full of Black Friday advertisements yesterday. I want to pass my knowledge onto to you so that you can maximize your spending potential on that day. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1) Have a plan. Some stores literally open at midnight, so map out where you want to go and at what time. Also, most stores will have the same merchandise out the day before Thanksgiving. Pre-shop and decide what you want so you can go in, grab the items, and get in line. 

2) Have a list of gifts to buy, and people to buy for. It can be very overwhelming with all of the sales and crowd, but remember, just because it is on sale, does not mean you need it. The newspaper on Thanksgiving is like the bible to Black Friday shoppers, so buy one, and use it. 

3) Do not plan to try things on unless you cannot return them. Most stores have longer return/exchange policies during the holidays. If you grabbed the wrong size, fix it later. This applies when a store is out of your size or color you want, as well. If the deal is that great, exchange it for your size or color later.

4) Be patient. You chose to go out on the busiest shopping day of the year. The workers will be flustered, so will you. But breathe. Everyone is trying to do the same thing. You will get your turn. 

5) If this is your first Black Friday outing, be prepared for packed parking lots, long lines, and crazy people. Yes, crazy people. Shoppers have literally been trampled to death on this day. The $25 TV is not worth it. Let the crazy person have it. 

Here is a preview of what some of my favorite stores will be doing to draw consumers in:

Express (In store and Online): On Thanksgiving day and Black Friday until noon, get 40% off your entire purchase, excluding clearance items. After noon, get 30% off your entire purchase, excluding clearance items. They usually have a free gift with purchase, as well.

bebe: Black Friday until noon, get 20% off your entire purchase, excluding markdowns and promos. Select styles will be 40% off all day. Plus, get a $25 reward card for every $125 you spend.

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th: The day before Thanksgiving and Black Friday from midnight to noon, get 30-50% off your entire purchase. The discount for each category varies. After noon, get 25-40% off.

GUESS Factory Stores and GUESS Factory Accessory Stores (outlets): Black Friday until noon, 30% off the entire store. Select stores open as early as 10 p.m. Thanksgiving night!

As more sales news comes my way, I will update the list. I am the queen of bargain shopping, so let me know if you have any questions!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Tee Shirt: Club Monaco

Skirt: bebe

Shoes: bebe

Necklace: The Limited

Cuff: Nordstrom