How to Get Ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2015 Make a List … and Check It Twice There are lots of ways to prepare for the frenzied discount shopping season, but the best way to start is the obvious one—make a list, and a budget to go with it. If you’re like most people, shopping for holiday gifts may tempt you into a “one for you—one for me” pattern. Whether jewelry shopping or looking for the next great video game, your list will ensure that you focus first on finding items for the people you want to remember. Consider including a “one for me” section on your list with some priority items you hope to nab for your own holiday treat, as a kind of reality check. You’ll cut down on personal impulse buys, and, if you’ve already budgeted for these items, you know just how much you can spend on yourself. Do the Research This multi-layered event extends from Thanksgiving Day (as more and more stores join the ranks to open early), to Black Friday, plus the weekend, followed by Cyber Monday. Planning is more important than ever. Compare ads from your favorite brick-and-mortar retailers with deals from online retailers. Unless you’re the type of shopper who loves the crowds and competition of being there in person, you might opt for the peace and calm of shopping at home for great online deals—sometimes including freebies—and save even more money. Online shopping opens up the possibilities for products that might not be available in your area, like exotic designs from Alaska Jewelry. You’ll realize tremendous savings with special holiday discounts on high ticket items like a gold nugget necklace, and avoid the risk of carrying vulnerable items around amid the pressing crowds of shoppers. Plus, you can give yourself permission to spend a bit more on a really unique jewelry item you would never buy at full price. Ads from reputable retailers are full of useful information you need to plan your attack. As you check for the most exciting deals, be open to new ideas for the perfect gift to complete your list. Make notes on a couple of key points about each prioritized store or website you want to hit, including: Dates and times for limited offers Any minimum purchase requirements; also the limits on deep bargains, such as one per customer Store opening hours for each day you plan to shop Parking suggestions for malls and stores in your area Prepare for battle: Dress in layers for comfort (comfortable shoes are a must), and bring supplies like water and snacks—this is not the best time to try out the new Food Court. Cyber Sales Are Heating Up – Get in the Game
All predictions point to rapidly increasing online sales for “Team Cyber Monday,” if 2013 and 2014 trends are any indication. In 2013, Cyber Monday sales grew 20.6% to rack up over $2 billion, exceeding online purchases on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday combined.1 It’s revealing to note that in 2013, the average shopper spent $468 on Cyber Monday, versus $309 on Black Friday, which may suggest that they found more and better deals.2 Expectations for holiday 2015 are even greater, with an added push from expanded ways to use your mobile device to make direct purchases through Google, Pinterest, and other social media apps. Get in the game and have fun shopping for the best bargains ever as you prepare for a happy holiday season.