It’s Called Currency

The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday because, for many stores, this is this day that they finally go “into the black” in terms of their income for the year. But this year, Black Friday may not be a reality for retailers who are so far “in the red” that they will continue to take losses as they cut prices in order to get you to shop.

Due to the current economic environment, you may find that the big Black Friday doorbusters and deep discounts of past years just aren’t there this year. Stores that have already marked their merchandise down 40 to 50% will be hard pressed to go too much deeper for the Black Friday shopping frenzy. Other gimmicks like midnight openings and even stores that will be open all day Thursday (yes, Thanksgiving Day) will be likely as stores work hard to win your dollars and still turn a profit.

Smart shoppers will start with a list and stick to it. Knowing what you’re shopping for does a lot to arm you against needless spending. However, we all have people that are hard to shop for and instead of putting their actual gift on our lists, we put “something for Aunt Betty” and hope to be inspired when we get to the store. (I put those names on the back of my list so I don’t get hung up on them when I’m searching for known gifts.) You might even try “pre shopping” for inspiration by surfing through the online ads. There are probably hundreds of websites that list Black Friday specials. Here’s a sampling:

• BFAds.net
• www.BlackFriday.info
• BlackFriday.GottaDeal.com
• www.Black-Friday.net
• www.DealTaker.com/blackfriday.html
• www.BlackFridayAds.com

To find specific ads or gifts, open your favorite search engine and use the keyword “Black Friday” with the name of the store or item you’re looking for. A little online research will not only save you money, but it will  help you to make sure you’re standing in line at the right store before you get there.

If you don’t plan on fighting the crowds Friday, you can always surf for specials. Many stores now offer the same discounts for online purchases made on Friday as those found in the store. If they also offer free shipping, you save even more.

What are your Black Friday plans? Will you shop or will you hold out for more discounts before Christmas?

Tags: current events, online shopping, spending less // 1 Comment »