Recently I, along with my friend who runs this blog, was interviewed by my local news station for a feature they did about Black Friday and coupons and such.   I never turn down the chance for free publicity since it almost always helps my business blog, but this Black Friday topic was also right up my alley! 

So, my question for ya'll is….do YOU Black Friday?  If so, what bargains are you on the hunt for or do you just go to people watch?  I am looking forward to going again and have already made my lists of bargains I am going for.  Here are a few of my best tips about making Black Friday all the more fun.

• Plan.  This seems obvious, but believe it or not it's probably one of the most crucial steps in making sure your shopping experience is everything you want it to be.  Plan not only which stores you'll visit (and in what order), but also what you'll head for once you make it through the doors in the wee hours of the morning. 
• Review.  Review the ads and prices and comparison shop before even leaving your house, and don't forget your list!  If prices differ by just a small amount from store to store, take into account how much gas/drive time it takes to get to each store. Don’t go out of your way just to save a few pennies if it’s not truly worth it in the long run.
• Eat!  Black Friday is no time to starve yourself!  Pack your water bottle, an apple and perhaps a snack bar for the early morning energy boost you’ll need to fight crowds and save dollars.  Also, keep your eyes out for great Black Friday meal deals.  For example, you can download the Quizno's Black Friday coupon here, which is good for a $2.99 meal deal consisting of a half sandwich, chips and drink from 11/26 to 11/28.  Another great example comes from Sam’s Club who is once again serving breakfast from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. to their members shopping on Black Friday.  Egg sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, and coffee will be offered.  Last year Chick-fil-a offered a free chicken biscuit for a few hours in the morning to accommodate early morning shoppers, though we haven't been able to verify if they're doing it again this year.  Check with your local restaurant to verify their participation again this year.
• B.Y.O.B. – Bring Your Own (reusable) Bags!  This is great for two reasons.  1) if you are a Target shopper, you’ll get an additional 5 cents off for each bag you use; and 2) depending on which other stores you go to, the bags may come in handy since shopping carts are usually in high demand.  You’ll be able to use your own reusable bags to hold your purchases for you until it’s time to check out.
• Bring receipts.  Have your recent receipts on hand in case you find an item you previously bought, now on sale.  Many stores will honor a one-time price adjustment with a receipt up to 10 to 14 days after purchase.
• Keep receipts.  Keep your receipts of your new purchases.  You can always return something later even if you thought it was a good buy at the time.
• Wait.  If it all just seems like too much, hold out until Cyber Monday.  Great deals and no hassle of crowds or getting up early!

Happy shopping!