Rule book for Black Friday Shopping.
Coat: Forever 21 | Blouse: Lush | Jeans: Nordstrom | Heels: BP | Clutch BP | Earrings: Similar Here | Lips: MAC Rebel
I am an experienced Black Friday shopper, online and in store. I am going to share with you my simple rule book for shopping in person on this crazy thrilling day! I have shopped on this day since I was in High School and have perfected my game plan, I hope it helps you have great success.
ONE: Have a list and check it twice. Seriously, put that Santa hat on a make a list of the people you need to buy for and your budget. Have an idea of what you think they would like or requests of what they want. When you have bought something for them, write it down.
TWO: Strategy for Stores. Look at each stores opening times and if they have a door prize for the first group of customers to come through their door. This is the line I choose to wait in before the stores open. Often times this prize is the perfect gift for someone on my list! One year it was an MP3 player (yes, many years ago!).
THREE: Know the Apps that help. I always download the Retail Me Not App before the holiday shopping because this app has coupons and promotions loaded into it already. Use the search tool for the store that you are waiting in line for to know if there is a minimum you have to spend to save % off or if there is an item that is specifically on sale. While you wait. Download the mall app to be able to map your route to your next store! This is also a great time to refresh your shopping list and budget list if you're really organized!
FOUR: Multitask. When a group needs coffee, let someone order you a coffee and take everyone's shopping bags to your car! Working in the retail industry, I saw so many people lugging huge bags around that either knocked people over or were so heavy they were exhausted and irritable. No one likes any of these things. Take frequent trips to the car to unload your arms, it's worth the time.
FIVE: Have Joy. Smile at the workers who are exhausted from all the chaos. Smile at the people all waiting in line with you. Smile with your group of friends and family that are on your shopping trip. Choose joy during this experience instead of being brought down by the negativity of the environment. Joy is contagious!
One of my favorite places for Black Friday shopping is the Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla. The malls open air feel is perfect for mobs of people, you never feel overwhelmed or claustrophobic. They have an array of treats to nourish you along your way as well as a huge selection of stores to shop for everyone on your list. Plus, HERE is a fun list of all the Holiday events they have going on this season. Three words: Santa, Snow, and Singing!!!They are opening at 6pm on Thanksgiving and are open until 9pm Black Friday!
Westfield UTC has some amazing stores with huge promotions,
I have linked them directly to where they announce their Black Friday Sales, check them out!
Photos courtesy of Ellie of Ellie Coburn Photography.
Thank you Westfield UTC Mall for sponsoring this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Topknots and Pearls possible.