CBS-TV calls Black Friday the Super Bowl of shopping. And, according to Michael P. Niemira, vice president, chief economist and director of research for the International Council of Shopping Centers, approximately 31 percent of consumers will shop on Black Friday which is equivalent to more than 74 million consumers heading to the stores.
In recent years, Black Friday has been marred by hysterical and frantic shoppers looking for the great deal. One incident left a shopper trampled to death and other incidents included fights or altercations. If you plan on being part of this year’s shopping ritual, here are some tips to keep you safe and prepared for this shopping extravaganza.
Black Friday Safety
Get a good night sleep. You want to be alert and at your best so you can make the best shopping choices. Your mind needs to be sharp so you can easily calculate sale percentages and discounts.
Wear comfortable clothes. Leave the Sex and the City shoes at home! This is your marathon shopping day. So, put on your work-out sneakers and bring band-aids in case of a blister. Also, wear loose clothing to maneuver easily around shops and stores. Wear a light jacket as you do not want to be weighed down. And the extra weight can give you a shoulder or backache.
Snacks and bottle of water. Like any athlete, you need to be well hydrated for this special event. Granola bars or a healthy trail mix will keep your energy high. Avoid the food court at all costs. The lines will be long and the food courts generally offer high calorie meals.
Limit the amount of valuables you carry, including credit cards, checks and cash. Better to be safe than sorry.
Don't leave packages in your car or walk alone in parking lots. You do not want to be a victim of smash and grab. Also, some car insurance companies will not cover the cost of valuables stolen from your vehicle.
Park in well lit areas. This will deter muggers and those annoying snatch-and-grab bandits.
Carpool. Drive to the mall with friend to save on gas; or shop online. One of my relatives makes this a family affair. She feels it is a great time to pool family resources and buy that special gift for your relatives.
Make a list. Do your research. Look through newspaper fliers; search the Internet and even Facebook. This year, retailers are reaching out via social media to let their ʺfriendsʺ know about additional savings. Plan a route and timetable of the stores with the best discounts. Remember, most stores will be opening at 4:00 a.m.
Have patience and remain calm. Analysts are predicting one of the busiest Black Fridays. So, be prepared for long lines and some stressed out sales people. Remember a smile and a joke can go a long way.
Happy shopping!
Sources:
http://www.cleveland.com/pdq/index.ssf/2010/11/black_friday_lore_and_statisti.html
http://www.blackfriday2010.com/
http://citizensvoice.com/news/business/holiday-2010-could-be-biggest-shopping-season-in-four-years-1.1067617
http://www.ky3.com/features/holiday/thanksgiving/fl-holiday-shopping-tips-1125-20101124,0,4760842,full.story
http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/style/2010/11/23/black-friday-survival-guide-local-deals/