What I Learned About Black Friday

What I Learned About Black Friday

1. Children do not belong out at Black Friday, especially around the midnight hours that were very popular this year. Parents will only get frustrated with their kids in the midst of the heavy crowds, and it's way past the child's bedtime anyhow. So, just leave the kids with a babysitter or a Thanksgiving holiday guest at your house. The kid should be asleep anyway, so it's easy babysitting. ;)

2. The suitcases you see people with are most likely NOT a purchase they've made. The suitcase will act as a portable storage system for your many purchases as you continue throughout your Black Friday shopping extravaganza.

3. You will see people wearing pajamas as they shop. I mean, you are technically shopping in the middle of the night, but you are in public, so could you just keep on your Thanksgiving Day outfit? Thanks.

4. As much as I'm thankful that they went with me, go Black Friday shopping with more than just two guys. My brother and cousin are typical male shoppers. No browsing and no interest in my stores (I totally understand this, I wasn't interested in their stores either) which made it difficult for this girl who would like to consult with a friend on whether or not my purchase is worthy. (I don't say this to be ungrateful because I really am glad I wasn't alone, I'm just saying, it would have been helpful to have a friend of my gender with me!)

5. Black Friday is NOT the time to... try on clothes, see what looks good, find a new outfit, try on a new style, figure out a completely new wardrobe, browse for the "perfect" gift for someone, decide which friend would like which necklace, etc. Black Friday, in my opinion, is a time to KNOW what you're going for, GET it, and MOVE on to the next place. It's just too crowded, chaotic and overwhelming to really think about anything that, well, requires thinking.

6. People really do wait in really long lines. It's true. I saw it firsthand. Glad it wasn't me.

7. It's exhilarating and part of the experience to be amongst the crowds and chaos. For example, I went to Target today around 11:00 in the morning and it wasn't nearly as exciting as it was when I was out at the malls between midnight and 2 a.m.

8. Do not wear uncomfortable shoes while in an environment (such as Black Friday) that requires you to walk swiftly from far distances since your car is parked a mile away from where you're shopping anyway. (Translated: Do not wear boots with a heel.) What was I thinking?

9. I would participate in Black Friday again, but I would do a few things differently. I don't think I would go Black Friday shopping in Orlando. Soooo many tourists are in Orlando as it is and on Black Friday, it's no different. I also wouldn't go to the mall- unless there was a specific store I wanted something from. I think next year, I'll go to places like Target, Kohl's, Bealls, etc....the malls were just too overwhelming!!

....and that concludes my list of what I learned during my first Black Friday shopping experience! If you participted in Black Friday, I hope you found everything you wanted and more! :)