My 2016 Black Friday Weekend Strategy

Skirt The Rules // Shopaholic Problems

There was a time in my life when I would drive to the mall on Thanksgiving night and navigate through the crazy crowds of Midnight Madness. Was it worth it? Results are inconclusive, but thankfully those days are long gone. Instead, I plan to spend most of the holiday weekend with my family in Arizona. But just because I’m hitting up the malls this year, it doesn’t mean I haven’t planned out my Black Friday strategy. Here are a few of my favorite shopping tips for this weekend:

Invest in a big ticket item. I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post that Black Friday weekend is the best time to invest in a new winter coat (I have my eye on this one), but there are plenty of other big ticket items go on promo around this time. Got an eye on a Tory Burch Fleming bag? It’s 30% off! Or a pair of Stuart Weitzman Lowland dupes? They’re 30% off! How about that 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli tote that you’ve always wanted? It’s 25% off and comes in a bunch of colors! This weekend offers the biggest deals of the year, so now is the time to strike!

Get inspired. It might seem like everyone and their mother’s posting holiday gift guides right now, but it really is one of the best resources for inspiration. If you know of someone who is especially difficult to shop for (I’m looking at you, Office Secret Santa), try doing a little research ahead of time. It’ll save you the in-the-moment stress of finding the perfect gift. There are also some retailers that put together a great gift guide, including LOFT, J.Crew, Madewell, and Nordstrom.

Find a one-stop shop. When I shop in stores, the less places I have to visit, the better. Now that I do most of my shopping online, the less separate transactions I have to do, the better! That’s why I start with retailers like Nordstrom that have a huge selection of gifts online. I mean, where else can you pick up something for a jetsetter, a cat lady and a gym rat all in one fell swoop? What can I say – I have a diverse group of friends.

Start early. So many retailers are sharing their Black Friday deals early. What’s in it for them: your business early on in the week. What’s in it for you: first dibs before goods sell out and the promise that your personal space won’t be invaded while you shop. Even some of my favorite brands have already kicked off their sales for the rest of the week:

Express – 50% off everything
Madewell – 25% off everything
J.Crew – 40% off everything (FIRST TIME EVER!)
J.Crew Factory
– 50% off everything
LOFT – 40% off everything
Nordstrom – 40-50% off select styles
Shopbop – Up to 25% off your purchase
Tory Burch – 30% off everything

How are you tackling Black Friday this year? I would love to hear your strategies and what’s on your shopping list!

Leave a Comment

6 Comments

  1. Anika H wrote:

    Love these tips! Awesome post!

    Anika | anikamay.co.uk

    Posted 11.23.16 Reply
  2. Marta wrote:

    I don’t really have any strategy since I’ve never really paid much attention to black friday but thanks for sharing yours because this year I’m gonna need them!

    Posted 11.23.16 Reply
  3. Such great sales! I have a strategy for the few things I still need for my new apartment (rug, TV etc) but other than that I will figure it out on the fly!! Happy Thanksgiving <3
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

    Posted 11.23.16 Reply
  4. Rach wrote:

    Yes I totally agree that I use Black Friday to purchase investment pieces! I love that pink coat you picked out!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Posted 11.23.16 Reply
  5. That first picture made me laugh- I can relate! I totally agree about investing in a big item- I’m looking for a nice coat this year and I love the ones you picked out.
    Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 11.23.16 Reply
  6. Rachel wrote:

    Great shopping tips! Thanks for sharing!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

    Posted 11.24.16 Reply