Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season but Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season. After the leftovers are packed away and the last dish is washed, thoughts quickly turn from stuffing to shopping. This year is predicted to be bigger than ever, with the National Retail Federation expecting holiday sales to increase 3.7% over last year’s, making the total a whopping $630.7 billion spent by consumers! For less stress and more fun while out shopping this Black Friday, here are a few dos and don’ts:
Busy with Your Black Friday Shopping? Refuel and Have a Great Lunch or Dinner with Buca!
Do:
- Pick up a newspaper the Sunday before Thanksgiving to check out the hottest items at each store.
- Look for coupons and compare price match policies before you head out. Know what qualifies and bring those Sunday flyers with you as proof of the competing price to be matched.
- Make a list and stick to it. It will be easy to be swayed by in-store advertisements, other shoppers, and general excitement. You are less likely to blow your budget if you spend some time planning before you get to the stores.
- Consider which in-store specials are truly worth standing in line for. Some items such as clothing may be marked down further online on Cyber Monday. Also, toys are usually cheapest during the first two weeks of December.
- Have a plan and map it out. Traffic will already be heavy, so figure out the easiest route for you to take that will include all the stores you want to visit.
- Be prepared. Have a full phone battery, phone charger, water, snacks, and comfortable shoes, as well as appropriate outer wear if you plan on standing outside before store openings.
- Consider how you will get your goods home. Some stores offer free shipping online which can save you from trying to fit a large object into your vehicle.
- Increased traffic and decreased parking spaces are easier to conquer as a team.
Don’t:
- Don’t rely solely on the flyers in the paper. There are multiple websites that have the scoop on unadvertised specials. Research deal aggregator sites and check out your favorite stores’ and products’ social media sites.
- Don’t carry your giant everyday purse. Consider a cross body bag with necessities only. You will be thankful when you are carrying your purchases to not have the added weight.
- Don’t bring young children. Their patience will wear out and that means yours will too.
- Don’t be rude to fellow shoppers and clerks.
- Don’t forget to secure your purchases. If you are planning on storing items in your car between stores, do not leave in plain sight for thieves. Bring a large blanket to cover bigger items and store smaller items under seats.
- Don’t forget to treat yourself. Whether it’s a fancy coffee or a gorgeous pair of gloves, budget a little something for yourself.
Be sure that Buca di Beppo is a part of your shopping crew’s Black Friday. Whether you are refueling before you head back out for more deals or have shopped until you’ve dropped, let us restore you with a delicious meal. Relax, laugh over your day, and high-five each other on your purchases, while we take care of the meal….and the dishes!
Busy with Your Black Friday Shopping? Refuel and Have a Great Lunch or Dinner with Buca!