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Guide To Black Friday Shopping From A Detroit Expert

By Raquel Parks
@MetroDivaPages

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and therefore Christmas shopping is not too far behind either. The image of bustling and anxious crowds of shoppers is soon on the horizon with the approaching of Black Friday. It has become a day to indulge in all the biggest sales retailers have to offer to obtain those major Christmas items.

Black Friday can be exciting and a great opportunity pick up everything one may need or wish for at low prices. When shopping for Black Friday, it's important to be prepared in every way.

There is plenty of planning that must go into Black Friday. The first step to prepping for Black Friday shopping is doing research. Research begins prior to Thanksgiving. What must-have items does everyone in the family want the most? Where are the best places to shop for these items?

Before looking at the sales, make a list of all items that are on the Christmas shopping list this year. Once that has been done, then it becomes clear what items to target for Black Friday shopping deals. Next, review the internet and newspapers for all the upcoming Black Friday offers.

Compare the best prices and sales that Black Friday has to offer for all those Christmas wish items. Keep in mind quality versus quantity should always be considered. A low price means nothing if the product is not up to standard.

Once the n best offers and sales have been selected, download the pertaining retailers' phone apps and clip coupons. Smartphones have tons of apps available by various retailers that can help optimize the shopping experience.

They even compare prices and provide helpful shopping hints. Coupons are always smart to have, as well. They specifically address certain department stores' offers. This saves time and eliminates confusion when checking out in the cashier line/

After all the downloading and clipping, make a budget. It can be so easy to overspend when shopping, especially when there are so many things and sales everywhere. The goal is to get what's needed within reason. Creating a budget will create a focus and set a limit to the shopping extravaganza.

The pre Black Friday prepping has been completed and the big day has finally arrived. The stomach is full of delicious Thanksgiving dinner and the adrenaline is high in anticipation. Before stepping out, bundle up. Frigid temperatures begin early and can even linger throughout a typical November day in Michigan.

Stay warm by wearing a pair of flat winter boots, a hat, a big winter coat, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. It can get hot inside a store when shopping for a long time. Therefore it is best to wear layers to provide the option to add or remove items while shopping. Be sure to carry a big tote or oversize handbag to hold all the essential items needed for the one-day shopping event.

Lastly, be sure to get gift receipts for purchases when possible. Be aware of store polices. This will eliminate being stuck with unwanted items and assist in the making the best purchases.

Most all be safe and courteous while shopping! Being respectful allows everyone to enjoy the shopping experience in peace. Have fun and good luck on all the shopping deals!

Raquel is a Michigan native with a Bachelors in Journalism from the University of Michigan. She loves fashion and writing about life's everyday stories. She has written for various local publications that include Dearborn Press & Guide and Detroit Fashion Pages. Raquel also writes for her own local events blog, Metro Diva Pages. You can visit Raquel's blog at metrodivapages-rdp.blogspot.com and follow her on Twitter @MetroDivaPages.

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