Catch the Spin

Black Friday (busiest retail shopping day of the year) is the Friday after Thanksgiving, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season.  On this special day, it is not uncommon to see shoppers lined up hours before stores with big sales open.  Shoppers often rush, grab, push and lunge as many stores have only a few of the big draw items.   Some people choose to camp out or get to the store the night before, but you don’t need to do that. 

Follow these simple steps and you will certainly experience a successful Black Friday:

1.       Plan to get to the store at least 10 minutes before the doors open. 

2.       Wear close toed shoes.  Flip flops and high heeled sandals make look more attractive than bulky rubber soled shoes or boots, but offer little protection from the stampede.

3.       Move slowly and deliberately to the front of the line.  Act as though you are looking for someone.  If you have access to a small child, send them up to the front of the line to “look” for you.  You then, go to the front of the line to “look” for them.  This has to be timed appropriately though so do your research and know when the store opens.  You want to time it so you and they child are at the front of the line just as the doors open.

4.       Keep focused on the other shoppers as you make your way to the front of the line.  You need to scope the crowd to anticipate their moves.

5.       As the doors open go swiftly to the items you pre determined you would buy.  As soon as the Black Friday adds come out, look at them and map your destinations.  Call the stores you plan to visit ahead of time with list in hand ask which isle and shelf each item is located on.  This is important and will save you valuable time.

6.       Go for the biggest saving items first.  These are normally bait and switch items to get you in the store and they will go fast.

7.       Stay focused on the task at hand and visualize success.  Success is defined as getting that cheaper than dirt gift that will surely be returned by the recipient the day after you give it to them.

8.       Stay alert!  Drink plenty of coffee before and during the shopping event.

9.       Wrap your arms tightly around small children you are carrying.  Shopping carts and strollers should be avoided because they restrict mobility and slow you down.

10.    Stay on the edge of the isle and move swiftly from side to side so you appear larger than you are.  If you are wearing a jacket, flap your arms like a chicken.  This will make you seem larger than you really are, and will thwart other shoppers from getting too close.

11.    As you approach the item stay calm and move with precise movements.  You don’t want someone to see you going for the item as it may be the last.  If it is the last item, run at it as fast as you can and grab it.  If the item is on the floor or a low shelf, be prepared to belly slide.

12.    Tuck it under your arm like it is a football.  This will protect the item from getting knocked out of your hand.   Take it and run with it clutched tightly under your arm to the register.  Remember, it belongs to the store until it is purchased.  Just because someone is holding an item or carrying it in their cart, you can take it if you think you could get to the checkout stand more swiftly than they.

13.    Check out and go quickly to your car.  Lock the item in your trunk and then go back in for the second item on your list.

Happy shopping and good luck!