Black Friday Shopping Tips and Tricks

Black Friday is the climax of the annual shopping calendar, offering the best deals of the year for everything from household essentials to thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. However, this time of year can be overwhelming, so it’s important that you properly prepare if you plan to get in on the savings.

Whether you’re planning to arrive in-store early in the morning or peruse the deals online from the comfort of your couch, having a clear strategy can help you have a successful Black Friday shopping experience.

This guide from Absolute Storage Management will provide valuable Black Friday shopping tips, including common mistakes to avoid and advice on the best places to go shopping.  With our help, you can avoid unnecessary stress while saving on everything on your list. 

Why Is It Called Black Friday?

Suppose you’re not familiar with the history of Black Friday or why it’s named as such. In that case, the term “Black Friday” is believed to have originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s. At the time, the police officers used it to describe the chaos of people flooding the downtown streets the day after Thanksgiving to start their holiday shopping. Since then, it’s also earned a second definition as the time when stores “go into the black,” meaning they become profitable for the year.

Black Friday has evolved into a societal phenomenon that has permeated almost every corner of American culture. In addition to inspiring movies and television, it’s made its way into sports, as the NFL now schedules an annual Black Friday game to follow up their traditional Thanksgiving slate.

Above all else, Black Friday signals the official start of the holiday shopping season, offering tantalizing deals you often can’t pass up. 

What Are This Year’s Black Friday Shopping Dates?

Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving each year. This means that in 2024, Black Friday will occur on November 29. However, most retailers now offer early access to their deals in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Savvy shoppers start scouting sales days or weeks in advance to take advantage of as many deals as possible.

How Much Should My Black Friday Budget Be?

You must establish a clear budget as Black Friday shopping dates draw nearer. Determine how much you’re willing (or able) to spend and allocate that amount to different categories. Essential items like home goods or appliances should be considered first, followed by electronics and new clothes.

You’ll also need to decide how much you’re going to spend on gifts for your family, friends, and other people you’re close with.

Making a Black Friday Shopping List

Another of the most effective Black Friday shopping tips is creating a shopping list in advance. Being well-informed when you step into the store and grab your cart will help you make better purchasing decisions and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the volume of deals. Here’s some Black Friday shopping advice to keep in mind:

• Identify what you need. List out anything you have been waiting to purchase until it reaches a discounted price, such as a new television or a replacement vacuum cleaner. 
• Consider gift giving. Whether you’re sending out holiday presents to family or shopping for a friend’s upcoming birthday, Black Friday is the best time to splurge on gifts.
• Do your research. Conduct a few internet searches to compare models, features, and average prices of the things you’re looking to purchase.
• Don’t get distracted. It’s easy to feel pressured when you see a flashy online deal or walk past a shiny new product on sale, but stick to your list to avoid going over budget.

Smart Things To Shop for on Black Friday

Before you worry about finding the best shops for Black Friday, stop to think about where the best opportunities to find deals may be. Here are some things you can expect to find discounted when Black Friday shopping:

• Televisions
• Laptops
• Gaming consoles
• Speakers and headphones
• Refrigerators
• Washers and dryers
• Kitchen appliances
• Fitness equipment
• Winter coats
• Shoes and boots

Best Places To Go Black Friday Shopping

Choosing good places to go Black Friday shopping is important because not every deal is created equal. You can trust major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target to offer big discounts on things like electronics and home goods. Department stores are the best places to go Black Friday shopping for clothes and shoes, which can be especially wise annual purchases if you have children.

Simplify your discount hunting with a Black Friday deals locator that features ad scans for retailers like Target and Wayfair. You can also check if your local supermarket offers any Black Friday shopping deals or discounts, though that can be rare.

No matter where you plan to go, check your local stores’ Black Friday shopping hours to ensure you arrive at the right time.

How To Find Black Friday Online Sales

Not a fan of fighting through crowds? There are still ways to get in on the Black Friday shopping deals from the comfort of your home. Many retailers hold Black Friday online sales that offer major discounts you can browse quickly, making it easy to compare products until you find the best deals. Just don’t forget the additional cost and delay of shipping, as this is the busiest time of the year for deliveries.

What Is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is the online equivalent of Black Friday, held every year on the Monday following Thanksgiving. It was created as a competitor to exclusive in-store sales but has now blossomed into its own shopping holiday. Many brands and stores will extend their Black Friday shopping sales through Cyber Monday, allowing you to take advantage of any deals you may have missed. Plus, you won’t have to worry about waiting in a 10-person line at checkout!

Rent Secure Storage This Holiday Season

Absolute Storage Management is happy to improve your holiday experience with our convenient seasonal storage units. We have self-storage units available in many sizes, and you can use them to store summer clothes, extra furniture, and other holiday decorations to free up space in your home. You can even hide your presents in your storage unit!
Find an Absolute Storage managed facility near you today to get started! You can also read through our FAQ and blog for more information.