Gone are the days when eager shoppers would camp outside stores, waiting for the chance to be among the first inside to take advantage of Black Friday sales. While the Friday after Thanksgiving is still one of the biggest shopping events of the year, many consumers instead opt for the comfort and convenience of online shopping to secure the best deals.
With sales starting earlier seemingly every year, navigating the Black Friday – and Cyber Monday – deals takes planning and preparation. Maximize your time and savings this year with these expert strategies.
Plan Ahead for Maximum Savings
Preparation is key to making the most out of Black Friday sales. Start by creating a list of the items you need or want to buy. Research the stores offering the best deals and follow your favorite brands on social media to get early access to discounts and promotions. Some retailers even offer sneak peeks of their ads so you can plan your shopping strategy accordingly.
Utilize Technology to Your Advantage
In today’s digital age, technology can be one of your best friends when it comes to shopping – Black Friday, Cyber Monday and otherwise.
Download apps that offer price comparisons, deal alerts and cashback rewards. Don’t forget to use online coupons and promo codes and set alerts on items you’re interested in to get notified when they drop in price.
Know When to Shop
While Black Friday is traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, many retailers start their sales early.
Keep an eye out for pre-Black Friday sales, which can sometimes offer deals just as good as those on the actual day. For in-store shopping, try to go as early as possible to snag the best deals before they sell out.
Find the Best Deals
Both in-store and online shopping have their advantages and disadvantages. In-store shopping allows you to actually see items before buying and you might find exclusive in-store deals. Online shopping, on the other hand, offers the convenience of shopping from home and often has a wider selection. Many retailers also offer online-only discounts and free shipping. To get the best of both worlds, consider a hybrid approach: shop online for hard-to-find items and go in-store for items you want to see or try before buying.
