“Thanksgiving is family. I’m home with my family”, Poubs said, adding, “I don’t shop on Thanksgiving”.
Advertisement
Some analysts feel the event has distorted Christmas spending pulling it forward at a time when retailers traditionally charged full prices. While there are multiple Black Friday deal finding websites that have leaking sale data, remember, it is often unofficial and will change – the most reliable source for deals is through official retail sale flyers.
Experts predict online sales will exceed £1b, more than the figure expected in bricks and mortar stores, making it the busiest ever single day of commercial activity on the web. It is shame that stores open so early. Both Apple and Android phones have apps that can help you find deals, compare prices and give you coupons. And sporting goods chain REI, which was always closed on Thanksgiving, is bowing out of Black Friday too. New this year at Target: Shoppers who spend $75 or more on Friday will receive a 20 percent discount to use toward a future purchase on any day between December 4 and December 13. That paragon of Black Friday shopping, blackfriday.com, tells us the answer is yes.
One big exception: J.C. Penney, which is opening two hours earlier at 3 p.m. on the holiday. “(We want) to set aside time for associates to enjoy their family”, Redford said. Bring blankets and big jackets while you wait in line, and right before they open, have your shopping buddy run stuff back to the auto so you don’t have to lug it around with you while you shop.
If you are fearless enough to venture into stores come Black Friday, your success will be measured on how well you’ve prepped for the ordeal.
Columbia residents Laura Cohen-Herzog and Richard Warner said they plan to stay in and cook dinner with the kids and avoid the Black Friday crowd.
It is warning bargain hunters to “shop smart”, and said the number of reported counterfeit electrical items had grown by 12% in the past year and were nearly impossible to spot.
In an effort to calm the shopping madness, many big box stores have started spreading their deals throughout Thanksgiving night and all day Friday. Best Buy will open its doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Westinghouse usually has a pretty popular deal on the day after Thanksgiving, and this year is no exception. Specials are available from before Black Friday, during and after (including Cyber Monday).
Is Black Friday still relevant? While a few sale items were covered by a “1-hour guarantee”, most had limited quantities – meaning some shoppers left the store empty handed.
Macy’s – Opens at 6:00 p.m.
Best Buy: Opens at 8 a.m. on Black Friday.
“In previous years, Apple authorized resellers have undercut Apple on Black Friday by as much as 13%, and this year will be no different”, wrote DealNews.com.
Nerd Wallet claims gift cards from third party sellers can often be scams. Sill, in general, the best Apple savings will be found elsewhere.
If camping outside Best Buy on Black Friday isn’t your thing, you’re in luck.
Advertisement
Brands like Westinghouse, Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic are already releasing ads that will lead you to the best deal on the item you want most.
