1) PLAN the Day Before. Spend several hours comparing Wish Lists to the ads from the paper (and be sure to check Wednesday’s paper as well. Not just Thursday.) Make a list of what you want to buy, and then a separate list for each store – what you’re buying where. Make sure your list includes when the various stores open as well – plan your route! Take advantage of anywhere opening at midnight.
2) Go with people you can stand to argue with. It’s okay to go alone, but it’s more fun with a group. Make sure you have cellphones w/ good service or walkie talkies.
3) Stay away from Kohl’s until about 10am or later. No sale is worth fighting 6 women for 2 items and then standing in line for 40 minutes guarding your stash.
4) Spread out. Drop people off at various stores with a list of things to buy for everyone. You can write them a check when you all meet for breakfast or lunch. Send Person A to Best Buy, Person B to Target, Person C to Walmart. Use your phone/walkies to confer.
5) Have back-up plans if the initial item you wanted to buy is already gone or you can’t find it in the store. Toy A is sold out, Toy B is just as good.
6) Take water and snacks. You’re not stopping until you’re almost done. Snack bars, bottle of water – you’re good to go. Put stickers on them so you cannot be accused of shoplifting them at the stores.
7) Look for items where you don’t expect to find them. Electronics are not always in the electronics section on this day. Endcaps and Aisle displays are your friends. You’ll find toys in the grocery section, Electronics in layaway, DVDs almost anywhere. If you can’t find something ask a store employee. Many of them either know where something is, or can get on their little radios and find it for you.
8 ) Bring a large bag of your own to carry items. Carts will be very scarce this day.
9) If you don’t want to bring your own bag, grab a cart from a cart corral in the parking lot before you enter the store.
10) Have fun! If you persevere you can 75-100% of your shopping done today!
