If you’re mapping out your Black Friday shopping trip right now, you’re not alone. Up to 61 percent of Black Friday shoppers have already begin researching their shopping trip well ahead of Thanksgiving, according to Google Adwords.
You know what times the stores open and you have several locations mapped out in terms of what products they offer, but there’s always more you can do to make this hectic shopping day more seamless.
Google released Tuesday, a series of tips and statistics to aid Black Friday shoppers as they scrounge for deals. Take a look at how you can make the busy shopping day a lot more enjoyable.
Shop Mornings To Avoid Crowds
Many of us have this idea of already frazzled holiday shoppers beating down the doors of department stores at 5 a.m. in time for Black Friday door busters seared into our brains, but this is hardly the case. The morning hours on Black Friday are actually the best time to get your shopping one with little interference from other shoppers.
Is it because everyone else is still mid-turkey coma? Perhaps. But peak shopping hours on Black Friday when stores like most likely to be jam-packed are between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., according to Google. Whatever you do, stay home on Thanksgiving between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. that is the true Black Friday peak hour.
Shop Atypical Black Friday Stores
If you want the best deals on Black Friday, don't make a beeline for Best Buy. Sure, TVs are selling on a 90 percent discount, but have you considered checking out your local dollar store? While most are hunting down the latest tech gadgets, bargain hunters may find an easier shopping experience at their local shopping mall rather than Radio Shack.
Most stores experience some kind of increase in patronage on Black Friday, according to Google. However, retailers than have the lowest foot traffic include shopping malls, department stores (think Macys, Lord & Taylor), super stores (think Walmart, K-Mart) and dollar stores (think Dollar Tree, Lot Less).
Don’t Buy Electronics On Black Friday
If you don’t want to follow the crowd, don’t by your new iPhone on Nov. 27. Everyone else is buying their new iPhone on Nov. 27. Electronics stores see their patronage increase by 2.3 on Black Friday, while mobile retailers see traffic increase by 1.7. The best time to shop for electronics is actually the day before Christmas, which we will delve more into later.
There Are Other Days To Shop
Believe it or not Black Friday isn’t the only major holiday shopping day of the season. Other busy days include the Saturday before Christmas and Christmas Eve. In fact, more stores become busier on the Saturday before Christmas than they do on Black Friday.
Keep in mind that retailers have deals throughout the holiday season, not just on Black Friday. You won’t exactly miss out on discounts if you avoid the crowds. And don’t forget, after Black Friday is Cyber Monday.
Shop And Research On Mobile In Between Stores
With up to 30 percent of all shopping purchases now taking place via mobile, shoppers would do well to utilize their cellphones to speed up a shopping trip. Search online to make sure the item you need is in stock or purchase online and then pick up your item in store. Either way, you’ll spend a lot less time wondering where to find a FitBit.
