Black Friday: A Holiday Survival Guide
By: Alex Smith
The start of the frenzied holiday shopping season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving. Known as Black Friday, it's a day famous for long lines, marathon shopping, and great sales.
When hundreds of millions of Americans storm the doors of their favorite stores, there is plenty of potential unexpected danger and mayhem. In 2008, a mob of over 200 sale seekers actually tore the door off its hinges before charging inside and tragically trampling and killing a temporary holiday staffer of Wal-Mart. In the same year, two men were shot and killed inside a Toys R Us when a dispute broke out over sale items.
Then, of course, there is the financial hazard to consider. Sales are sometimes so alluring, that bargain hunters and shopping lovers end up overspending instead of actually saving. We all love a great deal, so if you're going to be bargain hunting on Black Friday, here are a few tips to ensure your safety and keep overspending at bay.
Survive the Crowds
1. Plan Ahead: Go to the mall or store you will shop at on Black Friday and get comfortable with the way the stores are organized. If you plan, you will not be aimlessly wandering around dazed by the mayhem.
2. Prepare Accordingly: It will probably be cold in the early morning after Thanksgiving and warm up during the crowded day. Wear comfortable layers of clothing. It is a good idea to go with a large group of friends. Then someone can hold your place in line. Also, your feet will get tired, so an extra pair of shoes will help tremendously.
3. Monitor Crowds: There will be pushing and shoving which could potential knock you down. If you find yourself closely surrounded by people on all four sides, get out of the crowd as quickly and safely as possible. If you are knocked down, you may be stepped on by those around you and potentially trampled.
Don't Overspend
1. Make a List: To guard against overspending, go through the advertisements the day BEFORE you go shopping. Make a list of the things you want to buy, and stick as closely to that list as you can. Although some things may be tempting, remind yourself that you created the shopping list to budget your spending on Black Friday.
2. Arrive Early: The best deals on Black Friday are time sensitive and are usually in the early mornings. You will want to wait in line before the store opens because the best sale items are often in low supply. Decide which items will be the most popular and go for those first before they sell out. You could also strategize with your family or friends and organize a way to obtain different items on your list at the same time.
3. Cash Only: It’s much easier to spend money on a card than with cash. Bringing cash will prevent you from overspending your allotment. Remember to include money for lunch if you plan to stay all day.
Is It Worth It?
Every person is different -- and there are plenty of people who love the thrill of Black Friday. If you hate crowds but love saving money, there are some alternatives to the chaotic shopping spree. Black Friday deals have extended to the internet, and sometimes the sales even start before Black Friday. Shopping online may not be the traditional way you spend your Thanksgiving evening -- but it does pose less risk of crowd hazards.
And, should you choose to sit out the shopping craze all together, you won't be alone. The day after Thanksgiving, has been sponsored by Adbuster's Magazine as "Buy Nothing Day." Ultimately, it's your choice on how to spend your Black Friday -- amongst the bustling crowds, surfing the web, or taking a spend-free stance. Just remember that no discount is worth being trampled for.