Everyone knows that big-box retailers have great deals on Black Friday and their ads come out earlier and earlier each year. You can fight the crowds at these stores or you can shop at these “secret” places that often have great Black Friday deals.
Don’t forget that just because a store is not somewhere you typically associate with good deals on Black Friday, it doesn’t mean they don’t have sales.
1. Hardware stores. Going to a store that sells PVC piping and hammers may not be your idea of a good place to buy gifts, but hardware stores are an amazing treasure trove for great deals on Black Friday. Many offer the same competitive prices as their competition, but will have less crowd-fighting. Additionally, hardware stores sell many items you may not even consider from small kitchen appliances like slow cookers to dishes sets and even health supplies and sporting gear.
2. Drug Stores. Drug stores have door busters that many people don’t pay attention to because the focus is on the big retailers. Think about it though; Drugs Stores sell more than just cold medicine and prescriptions. They sell makeup, beauty, toys and even electronics. You can often snag a great deal at these stores and with many of them now having rewards programs that give you in-store credit, this is an amazing time to shop them for Black Friday deals.
3. Discount retailers. Stores like Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls and Tuesday Morning often don’t have hugely advertised sales, but at already low, low prices off retail, they will offer some great deals on high-end duds, home décor and beauty. Make sure to arrive early though as these stores start to become the second types of places people go after they line up for door busters at larger retailers.
4. Online local boutiques and crafters. Check on Facebook for local crafters and boutique sellers. If you “like” their page, you will often get an “in” on the sales they have. Don’t forget to keep an eye on them on “Small Business Saturday”. Many small boutiques and crafters will be offering deals all weekend long through Cyber Monday. Make sure to order early if you see something you want as these stores often have very limited supplies and not as much manpower to pump out things like bigger stores do.
5. Small, Local stores. Many local boutiques get overshadowed by the big box retailers on Black Friday but may offer great deals on local made crafts, higher end clothing and even local sport’s team gear. Make sure to map out a plan on where you will be going and plan to still shop early. You can find out what kind of deals they will be offering by signing up for email newsletters or simply by asking. Most will be happy to tell you as they want to draw the attention away from their big name competitors.
6. Thrift Stores. You may not think “thrift stores” when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. Maybe the idea of buying something used for a someone as a gift is not what you had in mind. Don’t let that stop you. Thrift stores often run Black Friday sales and open their doors early just like the bigger retailers. Plus, many thrift stores buy out discounted new stuff from crafts supplies, to furniture and even electronics and clothing with tags still attached at discount prices and sell them for heavy discounts. Combine these savings with an often 50% off the whole store sale and you could be raking in the good deals come Black Friday.
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