deanabrown

I had a pretty good BF. I didn't spend as much in previous years and it seems that because stores were open earlier/longer the crowds were not there. I think a big focus was online which may have also contributed. I did feel bad for the store employees because everywhere I went they seemed so tired. There were some good deals, but it seems the best deals were before or after black friday. I think stores will open on Thanksgiving again and people will be right in line again. I also think you will see a bigger focus on online sales for BF 2014. Until next year...

I did most of my shopping online. I was a little disappointed in Walgreens because the changed the wrapping paper sale to their store brand verses the Hallmark it was in prvious years. Also raised the price by about $0.30 a roll. I bought it anyway since I did not feel like treking over to RiteAid. CVS - free batteries and bogo M&Ms (also had a coupon) Online - hit Amazon, Best Buy, and Toys R Us for various items. Of significance was the $99 Kindle Fire, $31 Lego storage unit, $99 32" TV from Amazon Best Buy (in store) - Went in about 615AM and there were no crowds, just tired workers. Was only after a blu ray and the LG 32" TV for $149 that was a Midnight doorbuster. I asked in store and the had 2 in the back just not on the floor. It took about 20 minutes but they produced the TV. This was for my Mom who was thrilled. Kohls - A little more people, but nothing really interested in. I had a $10 off $10 coupon and 15% off. Ended up with towels and a pair of boys pants. Petsmart - was in the area and needed dog food. They gave out a free stocking with dog and cat treats plus coupons. Will only use the treats...coupons were not that great Walmart - Decided to venture there about 530PM on Friday. Was surprised that most doorbusters were still in stock. They had plenty of movies, sheets, TVs (not the $98 one), jeans, PJs, etc. I was really shocked. They had Skylanders but no Disney Infinity sets left. The only thing I did not see were the $5 pillows but honestly I did not look hard for them either. This means that people did a lot of shopping online or people just did not spend as much. All and All a successful Black Friday without having to battle big crowds and getting the deals I'm after. Planning is key. Thanks gottadeal.

Best Christmas Tree Decorations

I haven't seen these on sale that often. I do recall last Black Friday they were about 10 percent off. The best time to buy these at a cheap price is when a new model comes out (the old model gets clearanced) or a store is no longer carrying them. Last year I was able to buy them for 50 percent off at Staples.

It's really a Black Friday week for me. First I wear my old gotta deal shirts from previous years throughout the week. I break in my new shirt on Black Friday itself. On Thursday I go to Walgreens to get the buy one get 2 free wrapping paper and usually some other odds n ends that are on sale. I do most of my shopping online during the week and since the start times are getting earlier, I usually hit specific stores about 7 a.m. On Black Friday when it's less crowded.

Harbor Freight 10/11

The earlier openings worked out great for me. I went out about 7am. Everything was peaceful and I found everything I wanted on the list. I have changed my strategy by using the internet more and the stock checkers were accurate. I think the stares will keep the same times as last year. Can't wait!!!!

I was reading an article and a Sony executive said that of you pre-ordered a PS4 before August 4th then you should get on day one. He warned retailers not to make promises beyond that. I also read there are about 600000 pre-orders for PS 4 and 350000 for Xbox One as of the middle of August. Probably more now. Should be interesting how it plays out.

Legos is the big thing DS wants. Maybe a video game or some Disney Infinity stuff. No big ticket items this year.

I will be here year round.

I had a pretty successful Black Friday once again. My strategy of getting the hard to get items online and going to the store after the crowds dissipate worked out great. Amazon: TinTin Blu Ray - $8.96 Brave Blu Ray Combo Pack - $8.96 Target Online: Duplo Deluxe Train Set - $75.00 Programmable Coffee Maker - $19.00 Walking Dead Season 1 - $8.00 Sears: Christmas Travel Mugs (work gifts) - $3.49 Walmart: Paula Deen 23 Piece Cookware Set (Blue) - $99.00 Mens T-Shirts - $8 Mens Boxer Briefs - $8 Smurfs Christmas Carol DVD - $1.96 The Lucky One DVD - $1.96 Unstoppable DVD - $1.96 Unknown DVD - $1.96 Scooby Doo Music of the Vampire - $1.96 Silly Storytime - $1.96 We Bought a Zoo Blu Ray- $8.96 Happy Feet Two Blu Ray- $7.96 Various Disney Story Books (make great gifts for kids) - $5.00 Gamestop: Pre-owned Kinect with Kinect Adventures (included free 1 year protection plan) - $39.99 Got everything I was after and some additional impulse buys. I have to admit I am most excited about the Smurfs Christmas Carol movie and the Paula Deen Cookware. Hope I am not disappointed. I arrived at the stores around 7AM and they were empty. I could take my time and shop in peace without having to fight over anything or feel rushed. Perfect morning. Funny story: We were riding home last night from Thanksgiving Dinner and stopped to get gas. As DH is pumping, a car full of women ask us for directions to the mall and Walmart. I'm like really, you are out going Black Friday shopping and don't know how to get to the store. Thought it was pretty funny. Now for round 2. My DS, 3 yrs old has been asking all morning to go to Target. My kind of kid.

The shirts are a great conversation starter. My family makes fun of me, but I don't care.

I know a little random, but I wear my old gottadeal shirts the week of Thanksgiving up to Black Friday when I put on the latest one. Anyone else do this?

I heard that red card holders can shop sale prices starting on Wednesday. Does anyone know more information about this? What time it starts?

Is the S3 at Sams .96 for all carriers? The ad says check price for Verizon.

Are chromebooks out? Haven't really been following.

I'm thinking of doing most of my shopping online. I have some things to get at Walgreens, Walmart, Sears, and possibly Best Buy. I need to see what amazon is doing with movies.

Are they in line for the Wii U? I believe that comes out Sunday?

Dreamlites for regular price at $29.99

I just had a reality check. BF is next week!!!! Well guess I need to get a plan together.

Just wondering if anyone has heard of good deals on mattresses on Black Friday. Thanks, Deana

Does anyone think the Pillow Pet Dreamlites will be hard to find come Christmas? I was debating on buying it now to be safe.

My goal is to spend less and make smarter purchases. I'm cutting down on the toys for my son as he doesn't play with all the toys we have previously bought him.

My son has been asking for the Jack the pirate singing ship thing for the past couple of months. It shows up on the hot toy list, so I decide to get it now so I can find it before the Holidays. I've gone to several stores that had it before and now they are sold out. Sigh...

Also, Bed Bath and Beyond have the 20% or $5.00 off coupons and they carry pillow pets.