24 Nov

How To Make The Most Of Black Friday

Posted in News on 24.11.11 by John Meloche

In yesterday’s blog, we took a look at the annual extravaganza that is “Black Friday”. This coming Friday marks the day after American Thanksgiving, traditionally known as the day that retailers significantly slash their prices for customers looking to get a jump on the holiday shopping rush.

Since this is an American tradition, many Canadians feel compelled to cross the border in order to take advantage of the often-incredible discounts. However, as Dana Flavelle pointed out in a Moneyville.ca article this past weekend, there are a number of factors to be considered by southbound Canucks before indulging in Black Friday shopping excursions.

In today’s blog, we’d like to take a look at a few tips, offered by Flavelle, that may help Canadians make the most of Black Friday. First and foremost, it’s important to check for store flyers in advance for the best deals. There is no sense in making the trek all the way into another country without knowing where you wish to shop and what you plan on buying.

Create a shopping list, she advises. This way, you can go in to each store knowing exactly what you plan on buying. This will help you save time, which becomes very precious when there are thousands of other shoppers surrounding you looking to get their hands on many of the same items you may want.

Be sure to read product reviews, suggests Flavelle, as “some are marked down because they’re duds.” Keeping in mind that a return trip to the store is likely out of the question, you don’t want to pick up any items that may have to be returned. Ensuring that you are getting the best possible products at the best prices is the name of the game.

“Print out online coupons for additional savings,” she advises as well. Considering that you will be spending money on gas and possible hotel accommodations, there is no reason to not try to save as much as possible in the departments stores you plan on visiting. If there are ways to increase your discounts, find them!

Finally, be sure to get to the store you most want to visit early and be prepared to line up hours before the store opens. This has become part of the Black Friday tradition, as the most savvy shoppers know that the first customers through the doors are generally the ones who enjoy the best deals!

By the way, don’t forget to dress in layers and bring snacks and water. You never know how cold it’s going to be and how hungry you may get. Remember that you could be in one place for a very long time. You’ll want to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Happy shopping!

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