Black Friday, arguably the most significant shopping event of the year, is eagerly anticipated by many. During this time, stores offer substantial discounts that are unseen at any other point in the year, both online and in stores. Always falling on the day after Thanksgiving, enthusiastic shoppers set their alarms early to ensure they arrive at the stores in time to grab the best deals, with some even lining up as early as 4 or 5 in the morning. Throughout the day, queues grow so long that they wind around blocks and other nearby buildings. Once the stores open, they become incredibly crowded as people rush in, pushing and jostling others to purchase their desired items. All of this effort is expended in the hopes of securing deals that may not necessarily be as advantageous as they seem. So, what is the most effective approach to make the most of Black Friday?
The best strategy for capitalizing on Black Friday is to start preparing before the event itself. Numerous companies have pre-Black Friday sales in October and November, providing shoppers with a sneak peek before the main event. It is important to note that these pre-sales usually don’t offer discounts as substantial as those on the actual Black Friday, but they are still worth considering and taking advantage of. It also provides shoppers a chance to buy a product that may sell out quickly on Black Friday.
Second, double check the prices you are seeing. Many companies have been accused of jacking up prices prior to Black Friday, so when it rolls around and they decrease the price, it seems like you are getting a good deal but in reality, you are simply paying full price still. By comparing prices across different sources, it eliminates the risk of falling for what seems like a great deal but is, in fact, not a genuine discount.
Lastly, plan your buys before starting your shopping either in person or online. Amidst the excitement, it’s easy to be swayed by the allure of discounted prices and make impulsive buys. However, once the initial thrill fades, you might find yourself stuck with items you don’t really need, destined for the landfill. To prevent this, create a shopping plan in advance. Research the deals beforehand, identify the specific stores you want to visit, the products you’re interested in, and those you want to avoid. By doing this, you not only reduce the possibility of regretting your purchases but also gain an advantage on Black Friday with a well-thought-out plan, enabling you to navigate the crowded stores with ease.
“I prefer to do my black friday shopping online, though it depends on the store.” said senior Cailin Thompson. “I prefer online because it is a lot less stressful than going in person. I don’t have to park, wait in the extremely long lines, or deal with all the people rushing into stores, trying to purchase the same thing.”
Black Friday, with its alluring array of once-a-year deals, serves as an exciting prelude to the Thanksgiving holiday. It marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, enticing eager consumers with the promise of once a year discounts and exclusive offers. However, beneath the surface of these limited-time bargains lies the potential for chaos and stress. To truly make the most of Black Friday, shoppers need a strategic approach that goes beyond merely chasing discounts. By following these steps, it keeps Black Friday as stress free and successful as possible.
