I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for Black Friday deals. Weeks before the big day, I download a Black Friday app on my phone, scour the store ads for the best sales, and start a shopping list so I can mark (in one day) as many gifts off my list as possible. It’s always an early day, but I have fun shopping around and saving a lot on Christmas gifts. I have learned one thing in the several years I’ve been Black Friday shopping. Be prepared. If you’re heading out after Thanksgiving, check out our Black Friday shopping tips below. They’ll help you make the most of your post-holiday shopping. Also, be sure to read to the end for an exciting Black Friday announcement!
Get plenty of rest.
Black Friday deals start EARLY. In fact, many stores are now opening on Thanksgiving day for the extreme shoppers. If you’re going to get up early to shop for hours, make sure you get plenty of rest. Of course, after a day of stuffing yourself with turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, it probably won’t be difficult to fall asleep. Head to bed early so you’ll be rested for the day’s trips around town.
Compare prices ahead of time.
Not all Black Friday deals are created equal. Be sure to do your research ahead of time so you get the best deal. Download an app, check online, or pick up a paper (usually a few days before Black Friday) to see the ads for each store. Decide what you’re looking for and compare the prices for those items at different retailers so you get the best deal.
Shop online.
While many of the best deals are in stores, several retailers are offering online sales before and after Black Friday. If you don’t want to fight traffic, consider shopping online instead. You may even find better deals on some items, and you won’t have to get up so early or brave the cold.
Make your list and check it twice.
Black Friday is not the time to just browse. Traffic is tough, stores are busy, and people are on a mission. Check the ads ahead of time, decide what gifts or items you want to get, and make a solid list of where you’ll be buying them. Set out a schedule based on stores’ opening hours and make the most of your time. You may end up seeing a few extra items you want, but any splurge shopping is best to do later in the day, once the crowds die down a bit.
Get there early.
If you want the best Black Friday shopping deals, you have to get to the stores early. Early bird specials are popular everywhere, so you’re almost always guaranteed the lowest prices earlier in the day. Some deals carry throughout the day until they run out of the item, and some are only available for a certain number of hours. If you want to save the most money, you’ll have to get there early.
Take the ads with you.
Many stores have price-match policies, but they require you to have the ads as proof. These policies may vary during Black Friday, but it’s always worth a try.
Know the rules.
Return policies vary, and some stores are very strict. Before making Black Friday purchases, know the return policies of each store. You don’t want to stuff your shopping bags full, only to find that you need to return some items and can’t.
After a full day of holiday shopping, you’ll want a comfortable place to rest. Browse our cozy cabins in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which offer the amenities you want after a long day. They feature outdoor hot tubs, indoor jetted tubs, big screen TVs, comfortable sofas, wood-burning fireplaces, and much more!
CABINS FOR YOU BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Can’t get enough Black Friday deals? This year, Cabins For You is offering some fantastic Black Friday deals, starting at 6 a.m. Friday morning! From 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. on Friday, November 28, enjoy 60% off online reservations for stays in December through March! From 8 a.m – 10 a.m., save 40% on all reservations for stays from December through March, and from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., take 30% off reservations for stays from December through May! After 2 p.m., throughout the end of the day, you can keep saving 20% on all reservations! What a way to kick off the holidays!
*The Black Friday sale excludes reservations for holidays, and some stipulations may apply.