I know that there are some who get all excited at the prospect of hitting the stores at 4am on Black Friday for all the deals. I’m not one of them. I value my hard-earned money and want to get good deals, but I value my precious sleep even more. So Friday, Mister and I only ran out for a few errands that were nowhere near the mall and came home to relax. I will admit that there is something exciting about hitting the stores at the height of the holiday season, though, so today I ventured out. I slept late, of course, and took my time getting ready, and didn’t leave the house until noon. I had to compose my thoughts and make a bit of a list.
Traffic wasn’t too bad going to the mall, and I found a parking space fairly easily in my favorite parking section of the mall. I had already heard that the crowds were a bit thinner than in years past, so that gave me hope. When I got in the mall, more like a typical Saturday than a major shopping weekend. I wandered the mall, bought a few things, ate lunch, and headed out to a few stores across the street from the mall, including the insane asylum known as Toys R Us. But I was able to find all the things I was looking for, even the hard to shop for people, and I’m fairly sure that the recipients will be happy with their gifts. I still have a few more things to get, but will be doing that shopping online since the stores and/or items cannot be found locally in a bricks and mortar store.
Oh, were you hoping I would be telling you all what I got everyone? Not a chance – not this early. Too many people I know IRL read this blog, so just like them, you are going to have to wait. I’d love to gush, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise.
Did any of you venture out to the stores this weekend? Did you find it as crowded as in years past?
We went to the local outdoor mall for one purchase, and were lucky to find a parking spot in the lot. The mall was hoppin’!
My usual tactic, if I do end up going the Friday after Thanksgiving, is to head out mid- to late afternoon. By then, the ones who got up early to get good deals or just a parking space will have worn themselves out, plus you’re getting a fresh crew of retail workers who won’t be too bitchy with fatigue. But there’s no rule that says all your shopping has to be done that weekend, is there?
I would never ever shop on Black Friday. I can’t stand Boxing Day either!
I find good deals are hard to come by and the crowd… doesn’t worth it for me.
This year, with the economy the way it is, I think that the stores will be way worse than usual on Dec 26. I don’t plan on going out that day. I hate crowds! At least the mall wasn’t too bad when I went yesterday.
Ya, of course it’s not good to shop on black friday as it seems to have heavy traffic these days. But even we can enjoy more these days..
Ebeneara1, I didn’t say that it’s not good to shop on Black Friday. Lots of people love the crowds, otherwise they wouldn’t be there. I have a certain limit when it comes to crowds, and wall to wall people is where I draw the line.