3 Black Friday Tips

I love to shop. Most of my clients love to shop. Black Friday, let's touch on this a bit.
I am going to speak from my experience in the Bay Area as a Black Friday shopper of 15 years.

Should you get up at the crack of dawn and shop? Heck yes. I have found the best deals as soon as the store opens its doors. Is it crazy? Yes! Is it worth it? Absolutely.

3 TIPS:

1. Budget. Know exactly how much you want to spend, and what you want to buy. Aimless shopping can lead to senseless shopping. 
2. Set your alarm clock.
   Start the first hour in a higher end store such as Macy's or Nordstrom (I believe Macy's opens several hours before Nordstrom). Barneys, Burberry, Saks, etc - you are not going to find them open early or a great deal. They don't need it. Don't have your heart set on a bargain.
   * Macy's Union Square/ Walnut Creek. The first hour is amazing. Go to the department you like best first. There will be lines and it will be a little crazy. But it won't be as crazy as it will be in a few hours when most of the people wake up.
3. Plan your shopping trip. Unfortunately, once you have finished at Macy's nothing else is really open. If you are in the city, Juicy, Gucci, Barney's, etc aren't open until around 10am. Some stores within the Union Square Mall are open but not many. This is the same with Walnut Creek, with less options. So what do you do while you wait? You can bring your Macy's bags back to your car to kill time, you can grab a cup of coffee, you can read a book. Plan to have a couple hours downtime in between. If I have spent my budget I go home and relax!

Have fun shopping and remember to only purchase things you LOVE. If you aren't feeling it - don't buy it. Save yourself from buyers remorse or from adding more clutter to your life. Don't overspend, and try not to get anything you need to return. Most people end up shopping again when they come back to return items.

Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer
I am located in Pleasanton Ca, and serve the San Francisco Bay Area.
I specialize in Hoarding Disorder, Chronic Disorganization and helping the overwhelmed with clutter. I love what I do, and I provide realistic expectations and timelines. Don't suffer in chaos any  more. Every breath is a new beginning! Please visit my site at www.collectorcare.com
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