The first year I went black friday shopping I was in Louisville, KY & went with my Aunt. I was really wanting to get my boyfriend a GPS, so I was back by where they were at like 3 AM or whatever time we got there. It was by the electronics and someone wanted like a PSP or some video gaming thing. And they switched the side of the counter it was on like 1/2 an hour before opening. Some lady was complaining and in her very DEEP southern accent was like "Ya'll know, I'm usually a nice person, but I've been here since *blah blah time* and if I don't get what I want Imma punch somebody" Well I just about died laughing because for me (a Pennsylvania girl) the accent made that 500x funnier.

Last year I went with my dad in our local area & plan to again. It was fun, kind of laid back... we ended up being a little late to Walmart so we pretty much gave up there and then just walked around the mall a few hours. My favorite part was getting donuts at this local donut shop I love and heading home talking to my mom, who internet shopped, and dad while enjoying the donuts & coffee at the kitchen table. :)

This. I used to work at a department store, and I quickly noticed that the deals are just the same as ones all the way up to Christmas. You just have to keep watching. And if you're not after a doorbuster, go shopping Black Friday evening. Everyone's conked out by then, but a lot of stores stay open extra late. I pulled the night shift one year and I was shocked that the place was practically empty by 7, 8 p.m.

One of my former coworkers posted on FB recently that they're opening at 4 a.m. this year. Yuck. I bet within the next couple of years, most stores will open at midnight. The outlets near my parents and a few other places already are.

I'm taking my daughter this year. She has never been. Kohl's is opening at 3 am and we're going there first, then to a huge outlet mall about an hour a half away.

You would have loved my mother! Her voice went to Deep South when she was flustered, and one shopping season, she was comparing two sweaters when someone tried to grab one. She drawled, "Darlin', if you want to keep that hand, you best drop that sweater NOW!"


I'm a combo shopper out of necessity - we each have to provide a list by Thanksgiving. No one ever makes the deadline. :rolleyes: So, I usually do the online shopping along with that last minute, adrenaline-filled Christmas Eve Gift Conquest.*

And if you think not doing Black Friday is lame, just you try the Christmas Eve Gift Conquest!


*If you're looking for something NOT at a major or mall store, Christmas Eve is the ONLY time to shop! They're so happy to close their stores, you can actually barter. I found that out when I stopped in at a camera store, and rather than try to figure out what I needed, they GAVE me a $500 camera! I've since heard several other similar stories - but always at the smaller stores. A friend once said, "I love this sweater and this scarf, but can't decide between them," and she was given the scarf!

Wow. The whole thing sounds absolutely crazy!

I've heard outlet malls are great on black friday, but I've never been. Ohio outlet malls leave a lot to be desired.

Here are some of the ads: http://www.blackfriday2010.com/

Come on up to Michigan :) I'm thinking about doing Great Lakes Crossing, which is up by the Palace (where the Piston's play). It's an indoor mall and is a mix of outlet stores and "real" stores.

Bump

Anyone eyeing any good sales? Already this week my fiance's parents scored a 46" tv for $498, and I got a good deal on a DVD set I've been wanting (all the "Vacation" movies!) Can't wait for the ads tomorrow!

Dammit. Why did you have to tell me that. Now I have to go lol

I saw a 32" plasma for $198. It's taking every ounce of energy within me to stay away from that. But I'm weak :o

Those appliances are total junk. I have the toaster and it doesn't even toast a full slice of bread. The top of the bread sticks out the top of the toaster (mental note to include a good toaster on our wedding registry).

Ah, my fiance is practically dying over that deal, lol. He's gone back and forth on it at least 5 times just today.

Hahah. This is why I try to stay busy on Black Friday. I don't need that TV at all, but hell, how can I pass up that deal???