Black Friday

Now this is just too funny. I had this all planned out to publish either tomorrow or even Tuesday. But in my haste and Sunday fog, I selected publish rather than save therefore I published a link to an article I had an opinion about. Not that my opinion means anything, it's just my two cents. Call it a blond moment. I sure do.

When I saw this article I thought, "Hmmmm, I wonder what the big 'secret' is." Like maybe there was a certain way to play it smart(I have my own opinion of that--surprise!) so I read the article. And to my surprise, I wasn't surprised at all. This is not news worthy and it is hardly worth mentioning. I have worked retail my whole working life. I am not a big fan of it, and I always try to be courteous to my checker. Let's face it, that job is not an easy one. There are some rude and mean people out there, and when comes to spending money--especially in today's economy--they are not too happy to part with it. Even when it's supposed to be a time of giving!

My first job was at Target. I was 17. I trained for exactly 3 days and my first official day was Black Friday. Now that was crazy! But even back then, there were always notices on the signs, no rein checks, and a limit. That is true of any big sale Black Friday or otherwise. Why do they think people get up and line up outside the door for said deals. I just had to laugh at it. And now you can laugh at me for jumping the gun a little in my publishing.

Black Friday is not for everyone. I have done both sides of the spectrum, and let me tell I much prefer to be the shopper because I can be as rude and pushy as I want. (Not that I would of course, you just can't do that behind the counter.) I can also leave when I want. I can go home and take a nap. There are many benefits to being the shopper on Black Friday. So here are just few tips I would like to share should you decide to brave it this year.

1. Carefully peruse each flyer. You may have something in mind that is going to be on sale. Or something may jump out at you.

2. Plan where you are going. Don't wake up and go where ever the car wants to go

3. If you have a group of people going, separate into smaller groups...you know...divide and conquer. Assign a meeting place.

4. Pick the place you want to go to the most and go there first.

5. Stick to your budget

6. Eat before you go, and grab a snack around 8 when the tummy starts calling out for more food. And if you need it, a nice boost of caffiene in the form of your favorite soft drink.

7. Wear comfortable shoes--not slippers--not that I ever did this.

8. Make up at 3AM is only totally necessary if you are WORKING. Come on it's predawn hours, make a game of it. Leave your hair ratty.

9. make sure the car you take has ample room for purchases especially if you are going with a buddy.

10. Make sure you bring blankets or big trash bags to cover said purchases so that wandering eyes will not be tempted to peek.

For me, shopping on Black Friday is an adrenalin rush. I wouldn't want to do it alone--though I have and with two small children! I am not a big fan of crowds but for some reason, this day is one where I don't mind as much. Maybe it is the deals, but I think it is the idea of spending wildly. I mean all the other weeks and months of the year I carefully plan my purchases and make sure I have enough to cover what I need...NEED. But at Christmas, I am able to let loose.

Should you decide to shop Black Friday, be safe and have fun. And remember what we learned about the secrets of Black Friday! *Wink*

Want a sneak peek? Here ya go.