Why?
Oh just let me tell you!
Ok, first, I honestly can't stand crowds, they make me anxious and usually its just not fun. I've found a few ways to get over that feeling, at least for one day or few short hours I go into the madness. I learn more every year as I go out so here are some tips I have to share from my personal experience.
Rules: Each store has them, the time they open, the line you have to stand in, the time you can actually purchase your items. The best way to find out the rules is to ask the store the week of, or read all the fine print in the ad that comes in the paper on Thursday morning. Each store will do it differently. For example, last year Wal-Mart allowed you to come in to shop by midnight, but you weren't allowed to purchase or even take the item until 4a.m. We got in line for a ticket for the item(ours was a flat screen t.v.) at midnight and then you wait until 4a.m. to actually pay for it. One year the first 100 people got a $10 gift card for Sear's, but you had to go to a specific door to actually get it. Another thing to note is, even though you might know exactly where your item will be, electronics, toys, etc. they most likely will not be on that shelf. Most stores will have it out on a pallet and will move other merchandise to make a row of pallets for these things. If it is a small electronic item,it is possible it will be locked and you will have to ask a clerk to get it for you. Sometimes stores will hand out a map of where the specific pallet may be so you don't run around and miss it, other stores like for everyone to run around like idiots anyway and let you guess where it might be.Always bring the ad for the store with you-should the store decide to change a price or you want to show someone exactly what you are talking about-BRING THE AD!!
Lines: There will be lines, be prepared for the longest line waiting of your life. Before you get in the store, for the item you want, and for actually purchasing your items. Do not EVER cut in line. For the obvious reason its just rude, especially to those who have been freezing or have had no sleep get to where they are in line, jumping in when the door opens can cause people to go mad, I have seen people get punched and pushed for cutting in line. Also, most stores have security guards or even cops, and they will take you away or arrest you if you cut in line-its grade school but its not joke. I know you're laughing, but I'm telling you-its the way it is!!
Time: Black Friday actually doesn't even just happen on Friday anymore, stores are opening at 10pm on Thursday now even so again, check with the store and the ads to find out when it opens. Depending on how badly you want the item or the store you are going to is how you factor what time you actually go to the store to wait. If Toys R Us opens at midnight, you can guarantee that people will being showing up at 10, maybe even 9pm,ok let's face it people might just start eating their Thanksgiving dinner's in line! One year I went to get a couple of Barbie's that were going to be in the price range of $2, a midnight only deal. I drove up there at 10pm and found that if I wanted a parking spot-I'd be walking from the mall, Northpark mall-the surrounding lots were FULL, I wasn't going to do that for a barbie, sometimes you just have to weigh the importance of the item. This year Wal-Mart is open at 10pm, I have no idea what time the items will go on sale but a 2hr time cushion might be wise if you think it might be something that will sell quickly.
Children: Do not bring your children to Black Friday, teenagers are one thing-they can handle themselves, but your baby's *ok, if you are breastfeeding and are carrying your baby in a moby wrap/cling you are ok* toddler's or children under teen years. I repeat DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN. It's no place for them, if it were a movie I'd rate it "R" It's potentially dangerous, the language can be a bit much from people who are sleepy or are getting angry,there is always a possibility of violence, and sometimes, there are just questionable people out late at night! Now that's just for your children's sake. For you and those around you, still, DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN. Adults barely have the patience to stand in line sometimes and you want to bring your child? No. They will hate it, they will whine, get hungry, thirsty, cry and have to go to the bathroom, as much as I love children and others do-we don't want to hear whining. Get a family member, friend or babysitter to sleep at your house so your adorable children can sleep at home, warm, safe and peaceful.
Clothing: It's November, and you potentially will be waiting outside for 2hrs. You want to dress warmly, but you also need to remember that later you will be waiting in line for 2hrs inside. Layer up well, especially on your feet, standing still for a long time out in the cold is the worst on the toes! Now, whether you pay in cash, check or credit card will depend on what you wear-really-here's why. Carrying your purse is fine, especially if someone cuts in line and you need to smack someone with it(which I would never do but lets say you might need to)it can come in handy, but sometimes it slows you down and with all the shoving to get in the door I worry someone is actually stealing my life away from me during this time. So, if you can carry your purse on your arm INSIDE your coat-that might be safer. If your coat has pockets on the inside consider a small wallet and put the essentials in it only. Essentials being, credit card, debit card, check, cash, driver's license, and/or store credit card. Extra pockets in your clothing or coat are also helpful for breakfast items, such as an apple or granola bar, don't bring a water bottle unless you are a camel and can hold it in your body for 4 hours. Did you not read my paragraph above on lines? This is serious people! Getting out of line is risking every point of getting up early or losing sleep that night!
Attitude: It all depends on you. If staying up late or getting up early makes you grouchy-check your attitude at the door or stay home. Like I said earlier-people are serious about these sales-they will get ugly with you over the smallest offense. It's sad but true. I've learned to ignore the rudeness and have fun. Yup, you heard me. JUST HAVE FUN! The world isn't going to end if you don't get that flat screen T.V. or a $2 Barbie. It's no doubt disappointing, but its just stuff and we can't take it with us. It's fun to have, and even better to get it cheap(er) but its not worth fighting someone over it and getting arrested. Nothing ruins the day for me more than seeing people get ugly over stuff and hurting someone else in the process. Make it fun, go with family or friends and spread out to help each other get what you want. Meet new people in line around you and enjoy the time you are out shopping for others-or yourself!
Maybe I'll see some of you out there this year?
Good luck, and may the best shopper win.
