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How to be a
Black Friday pro Get ahead of the rest with our top tips on how to prepare for the biggest shopping day of the year
N
ovember 25th is set to be one of the busiest and most chaotic days of the year – Black Friday; where many retailers, such as Harvey Norman, cut the price of their stock to kick-start the festive shopping season. Traditionally a popular event in the United States before becoming a global affair in recent years, it is now a firm date in the Irish retail calendar as this is Ireland’s third year to kick off the Black Friday sales. Of course, Black Friday can be quite overwhelming, but don’t let the thoughts of huge crowds and long queues put you off early Christmas shopping – follow these steps to help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and save money in the long-run.
Have a game plan Successful Black Friday planning shouldn’t involve diving into crowds and hoping for the best. Create a list of the items you’re shopping for and where you’re likely to find them. This will not only help you to avoid impulse buying, but will also increase the likelihood of getting to the product in time. Of those purchases made last year, electronics were the most popular (68 per cent), followed by home appliances (45 per cent) – so, if you have a tech gift in mind, why not do a quick tour of the store before November 25th and check where products are placed. This will also give you the opportunity to ask the experts in store any questions you may have about a product and its features, ahead of the mad rush. Keep your eye on the prize!
Have a back-up
Consider being flexible when it comes to your shopping list to avoid disappointment. The popular in-demand items are often in limited supply and even if you queue for hours, you could still miss out. Research similar products as alternatives to buy if your first choice is gone.
Ask for help
Two hands are better than one and when it comes to Black Friday, this is certainly the case. If you have friends or family members also planning to shop in-store that day, try
co-ordinating your lists. Assign someone to each section of a store and tick off the items at said section on each list. Later, you can meet up to pay everybody back and to hand the purchases to their rightful owner.
Timing is everything Be familiar with the opening
hours of the store you intend to visit, and get there as early as you possibly can to avail of the best deals. Shopping in-store on Black Friday does mean you will encounter at least one significant wait, so make sure you bring some entertainment to keep you occupied. Add an upbeat playlist to your smartphone or down-
load some apps. Only bring the essentials, such as your phone – it may seem like a good idea to bring a flask of coffee on a cold winter’s day; however, this will only cause you hassle when you’re attempting to fill your arms with goods.
Online vs in-store
In-store shopping can test an-
yone’s patience, so if you can’t bear the thoughts of facing large crowds, consider doing your Black Friday shopping online instead. Make sure you follow your favourite brands on social media to hear about the best offers and discounts. Keep in mind that many retailers now offer Click and Collect services, which allow you to
make purchases online and then collect from the store.
Black Friday is now on at Harvey Norman with huge reductions and deals across their range of computers, electrical, furniture and bedding. Make sure to check www.harveynorman.ie or visit your local Harvey Norman store for the latest news