Black Friday survival kit

6:55 AM, Nov 21, 2012   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +
A crowd of shoppers wait outside the Target store in Lisbon, Conn., before the store opens for Black Friday shopping at midnight on Nov. 24, 2011.(Photo: Sean D. Elliot, AP)

WEDNESDAY HEADLINES

Jags place Gabbert on IR

JSO announces 2 arrests in body found floating in Trout River

FHP releases name of motorcyclist killed

JSO officer arrested for allegedly soliciting prostitution

Hiding in Plain Sight: Could you recognize synthetic drugs?

Jeb Bush, Jr. hopes dad will run for president

Man talks of the 'nightmare' of his fiance's bones being found

Meet the Johnston family from Georgia: The real-life 7 dwarfs

Mandarin couple survives fire; pet did not

Two homes damaged in Tuesday-morning house fires

First Coast readies for Small Business Saturday

Boy charged in fatal shooting on Florida bus

Police ID bones found on Braddock Road

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As shoppers get ready for the Black Friday madness, there are a few things they'll want to prepare for. Here is a top 10 list of items and plans needed to make the most of the experience.

  1. Coffee - If you want the best deals, you'll need to get up early and stay up for most of the night.
  2. Your budget: Know the max amount you want to spend, and keep in mind that there will be sales in the future -- with small business Saturday, cyber Monday, etc.
  3. Take Credit, Debit Cards: You may want to leave cash at home. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says it could make you a target for thieves. So sticking to credit or debit cards is the best option.
  4. Checklist of items: Figure out the items you need to purchase and make a list. Then do your research - find out the best times to get the items you want.
  5. Map out a route: Once you figure out what stores to hit and when, map out your destinations accordingly to get the best deal.
  6. Cell phone: Organization is key and to follow your plan, you can use your cell phone to set alarms for yourself. If you need to be out of Best Buy at 1 A-M to hit Toys R Us - put an alert on your cell phone. There are also a variety of Black Friday apps available for your smartphone.
  7. Cell phone car charger: Don't forget a car charger for your cell phone since it'll be put to good use.
  8. Dress in layers: It will be a chilly morning but it can get pretty hot in the big Black Friday crowds. So dress in layers and be sure to wear comfortable shoes with all of that running around.
  9. Snacks and water: While you might be full from the Thanksgiving feast, don't forget snacks! You'll need the energy and there often isn't time to stop for food because you might miss a sale. Water and hydration are key as well.
  10. Shopping buddy: Don't brave the stores yourself, bring a shopping buddy along with you! The crowds can get pretty intense for some of those hot list items. You'll want someone that can help you navigate and keep track of the items you score. Plus it's more fun with a companion!

First Coast News

Comments ()  | Share your thoughts »

Most Viewed Articles

Most Watched Videos