5 ways to shop smart this Black Friday
It’s that time of the year again… After feasting on some turkey and pumpkin pie, you will eventually decide to do some shopping and see the discounts in the local stores on Black Friday – the day after US Thanksgiving – in an attempt to find the best deals on gifts for the holiday season.
Data shows that the pandemic changed the way people shopped – in 2020, online sales for Black Friday soared 21.6% compared to 2019, which is why shoppers need to get smart. Today, we are showing you five ways how to shop smart and lock in some great discounts this Black Friday.
1. Be early (especially when shopping for tech)
If you want to shop for tech, know that it is one of the most popular categories. Be early – go ahead and buy things when you see them on shelves or make sure to visit your favorite online store in the morning. Toys and electronics that are on huge discounts are usually in short supply.
2. Make a budget and control your costs
Despite the numerous discounts, shopping during Black Friday can be an expensive time, especially if you haven’t planned what to buy or you want to please everyone. That is why it’s wise to set personal spending limits (for instance, no gifts over $30) and set your priorities straight.
3. Review and compare
Stores release sale preview ads, which you can find in local newspapers or online. Make sure to review and compare the prices at a few stores on popular items and see which one is offering the best discount.
4. Sign up for sale alerts
Some stores let you sign up for sale alerts or updates through newsletters or emails, which can be a smart way to lock in some discounts early and before the public sees them. Of course, you can always hit “unsubscribe” after the holidays.
5. Finally, save your Black Friday savings
The money you saved on an item by scoring a Black Friday deal is money you should save, and not spend otherwise. It’s easy to get distracted and overspend during the holiday season, which is, after all, the entire point of retailers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Happy shopping!
