Tag: shopping tips

The holiday shopping season officially kicks off on Black Friday, November 26, the day after Thanksgiving. In case you have just popped out of a time warp, this chaotic day is when stores open their doors early, slash prices and are swarmed by throngs of bargain-seeking shoppers.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to score some great deals and cross several items off your shopping list. But in the competitive shopping frenzy, it’s easy to get carried away. Here are six steps for successfully surviving the day with shopping goals met and your dignity intact.

When Leticia Barr is ready to start back-to-school shopping, her first stop is going to be her own closets.

A former teacher turned blogger, Barr knows that her family probably has on hand much of what they need already—from last year's binders that are still good to stashes of pencil-top erasers. With her daughter about to start seventh grade and a son going into fifth in Washington, DC, Barr's goal is to keep a lid on spending by focusing only on what they do not already have.

The average family with kids in grades K-12 is forecast to spend an average of $673.57 this year, according to the National Retail Federation, much of that going toward clothing and electronics.

With much of the nation locked in bitter cold and snowstorms, what could be better for a winter slump than shopping? Still have gift cards to cash in? Presents sitting in the garage you still need to exchange? Luckily many stores still have discounts to take advantage of. Now is the time to take full stock of the sales and mark-downs. Here are some tips to help you strategize during those dreary days when you and your spouse are looking for something fun to do.

1. Make a plan. What do you actually need?

Black Friday: the day the shopping frenzy begins for the holidays. This year even more retailers are opening their doors a day early (on Thanksgiving Day) for those looking to get a jump on their holiday shopping. So, do you just bust in and fight the crowds or is there a better way? Here are some etiquette tips that can help you have a successful and drama-free shopping day this holiday season!

1. Use your manners and indoor voice. Don’t push, shove or yell at fellow shoppers… even if they push, shove or yell at you first!