Expert: Have A Plan For Black Friday Shopping
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Some are calling it the Death of Black Friday – more and more stores opening up on Thanksgiving, and shoppers staying at home for Cyber Monday.
But experts say, never fear, shoppers will be out in force on Friday. And if you are shopping, get your game face on.
It's a Friday full of frenzy.
Financial expert Vera Gibbons says despite additional shopping hours on Thanksgiving and millions of people taking advantage of Cyber Monday, Black Friday is still the busiest shopping day of the year.
"This year, 97 million people are expected to shop on Black Friday versus 33 million for Thanksgiving," Gibbons says.
But, Gibbons says you need to have a plan if you're heading out on Black Friday.
Going after those door buster deals?
"It's getting confusing for consumers with door buster deals because they are staggered. Different stores are doing different deals at different times," said Gibbons.
Help yourself shop by using a shopping app. Fat Wallet has one for Black Friday.
"You can actually compare deals of all the major retailers, you can sort deals by category and price," says Gibbons.
What's hot this Black Friday?
"You are going to find great deals on 55" to 70" TVs, but they are no name brands," Gibbons says.
You will also find good deals on laptops, computers and tablets. Even Apple products will be discounted at stores like Walmart, Best Buy and Target.
"They have a lot of overstock. It's not going to be the newest, latest, greatest, but it's for models that would work just fine for the kids in your household," adds Gibbons.
Here's what not to buy on Black Friday.
"Kitchen electronics and small appliances on average they are 16 percent less expensive in early December than they are on Black Friday," Gibbons says.
She says avoid buying toys, too.
"You get a better deal in the couple weeks leading up to Christmas, maybe two weeks prior to Christmas," she says.
Exercise equipment and winter coats are the most heavily discounted in January.
There are only 26 days between Black Friday and Christmas this year, so retailers are doing what it takes to get you in the door.
Make sure you sign up for retailers email alerts, there are lots of deals that will be sent right to your inbox.
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