mcwalker

Rolling into March. Currently in Jackson, Mississippi driving half way across the country, New York City to Fort Worth, Texas.

Hello February!

Happy New Year!

Ravenmaniac, What was the conclusion of your experience? Did you pick up the luggage?

I could always post for 11 months and skip the last month just for fun!

I left home at 4:25 am and arrived at JCP (Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island NY) at about 4:45 am. There were about 25 people in front of me and by opening time were around 75 behind me. Got a $10 coupon and snow globe. After a few minutes in the store, I left to drive to a Lowes 1.5 miles away to see if I could get one of the buckets with free items for the first 25 My Lowes members to enter. I got to Lowes at about 5:25 am. A few people were sitting in cars, but none was at the door when I arrived, as it was chilly. Just a few minutes after I arrived, someone headed to the door and everyone else scrambled. I was #7 in line and there were less than 25 people at first, but the line got to more than 25 by opening time. After Lowes I returned to JCP at 6:43 am, got another $10 coupon and another snow globe, then spent a while in the store. As I left, they were still handing out snow globes but the coupons were gone. I continued to visit various stores until early evening. Until a few years ago, I would see large crowds in stores and parking lots from early opening time until around 1:00 PM, then crowds would dissipate in the afternoon. As some others have noted, I saw much smaller numbers of people from opening until late morning, then the crowds picked up and peaked in the mid afternoon. I returned to Roosevelt Field Mall to go to Macy's in the afternoon and both the parking lots and the store were packed at that time.

Month #2. The holidays are just getting started!

Deelite, what was in your bucket? I posted the contents of mine over on the Lowes ad thread at :

After going to the opening at JC Penney, I decided to go to a nearby Lowes (in Nassau County NY) to see if I could get a free bucket with mystery items. I got to Lowes at about 5:25 am. A few people (less than 25) were sitting in cars, but none was at the door as it was chilly. As soon as someone headed to the door, we all lined up just a few minutes after I arrived. I was #7 in line and there were less than 25 at first, but the line got to more than 25 before opening time. You had to show that you were a My Lowes member by showing them the app on a phone--I wasn't a member and signed up on the spot. One of the staff came out and handed each person a piece of paper with a number about 15-20 minutes before opening. "Santa" and his helper handed out the 25 buckets, which were taped closed, as we came in. Following are the contents of mine: - The bucket - 13 oz can of Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield (for waterproofing tents, cushions, outdoor canvas covers, etc.) - Irwin 4" x 7" (large) Brick Chisel - Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (in a "Free Sample" box) - Craftsman 12' "High Vis" Tape Measure - Kobalt 24V 4.0Ah Rechargeable Battery (in a box marked "Free" and "Not for Resale") - Coupon for a free half-pint paint sample - Coupon for 20% Off a purchase, with up to $100 savings on 12/7 or 12/8 only. I am not sure what I will do with many of these items. Unfortunately, I don't have any Kobalt tools , but I confirmed later that my nephew does. I have some small projects around the house, for which I would normally purchase items at a Home Depot closer to me, but I guess I need to make a shopping list for next weekend to get 20% off at Lowes. I was about the last person with a bucket still in the store, so "Santa" and a couple of other staff asked if I could do them a favor and open the taped-up bucket to see what was inside. Clearly the buckets had been sent pre-filled with the items, which were in a sealed black bag inside the bucket. I am curious what other GottaDealers got in buckets. If you got one, post the contents in this thread.

I arrived at JCP (Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island NY) at about 4:45 am. There were about 25 people in front of me and by opening time were around 75 behind me. Got a $10 coupon and snow globe, spent a few minutes in the store, then decided to head to a nearby Lowes and return later. I was #7 in line at Lowes and got the free bucket with some items--see Lowes thread for more. After Lowes I returned to JCP at 6:43 am, got another $10 coupon and another snow globe, then spent a while to decide what to buy with my two coupons. As I left, they were still handing out snow globes but the coupons were gone.

I was debating whether to join again this year. Guess I just did.

Thanks, Brad! And congratulations to the other winners!

I have been at JCP openings a few times in recent years to get their coupons and never needed to be there more than 15 minutes before opening. At least once or twice some years ago I went in one door, got the coupon, went out and entered via another door and got another coupon. It has been a while, but I got a snow globe or two without even trying (just being there when they opened). All waiting lines are a small fraction of what they were 7-10 years ago.

I will go out because it is the one day a year when I enjoy the busy shopping scene, but I will have already bought some key items online. So glad that the Thanksgiving day in-person shopping came to an end. I think waiting for hours in lines is over for everyone. (Even the opening giveaways at JC Penney and Kohls don't require much waiting.)

Samsung 70" Smart TV - BJ's Wholesale - $527.99 Shark Navigator Vacuum - Kohls - $199.99 Celestron Telescope - Kohls - $99.99 iLive 5.1 Home Theater Speakers - Kohls - $79.99 Men's Dockers Shoes - JC Penney - $44.99 Men's Dockers Pants - JC Penney - $39.99 Mars Candy Bags (2) - Dollar General - $5.00 Hot Wheels Car - Fleet Farm - $1.09 Santa Hat - Dollar General - $0.75 TOTAL: $999.78

I am going to go with the Samsonite Vanity for $19.95. I was four years old when this ad came out. My mother had one of these small pieces of hard luggage, which she referred to as a "train case (the common term of the time) for many years. It had trays for cosmetics and other personal items for women, and I believe a mirror inside the lid. During earlier days of train travel, women would check their larger luggage, but keep this handy for use during the trip--thus the name "train case."

Happy Black Friday Month.

Just returned from vacation in Colorado, where the Aspen trees were in full color. Welcome to October.

Like others have said, I think it will be similar to recent years, with sales spread out before Black Friday, but with general discounts and "doorbusters" less than impressive for those of us who remember Black Fridays of years ago. The election will not affect sales, but the late date of BF will just reinforce the trend to earlier sales marketed as part of "Black Friday."

Happy September! Currently at the start of my first vacation of the year in Oregon and Washington, with another trip to Colorado later this month.

Summer is passing too fast for me. Hello August.

Hello, July, second month of summer.

Happy June. Looking forward to some summer adventures, whatever they may be.

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. (words I don't want to hear on my flight to DFW Friday night ) Happy May Day! That is better. Spring is in the air. Happy International Workers Day! (To all of us who work, today or any time.)

March has been officially extended by 30 more days. Happy April, Fools!