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What is it about consumers that they’ll get up at 3 a.m. and stake

out a spot in a freezing parking lot just to nab a great deal on a

TV? 

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Black Friday is the dreaded day for store employees all over the

nation, and the day millions of Americans anticipate all year.

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The day after Thanksgiving offers great deals from hundreds of

retailers. Just two years ago, an employee of Walmart in Long

Island was trampled to death by eager shoppers. 

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It’s the official kickoff to Christmas shopping, and many stores

have great offers this holiday season. Be sure you’re ready for

Black Friday shopping!

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1. Don’t wait. Several large chains started sales

early. Target, Sears and Amazon have reportedly started their

holiday sales already. 

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JC Penny and Walmart also plan to jump on the early Black Friday

specials before the actual day, so why wait? 

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Toys R Us just announced they’re starting their sale on

Thanksgiving night at 10 p.m.

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The National Retail Federation predicts 40 percent of holiday

shoppers will hit stores before Black Friday, so don’t let them

beat you to the punch! Get out there yourself and grab a great

deal.

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2. Go early. I guess some people just like the

thrill of not going to bed and heading out hours before the sun

makes its appearance.

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“It’s a family tradition for me,” said Blake Moran of Athens. “We

always got up early on Black Friday growing up to do our Christmas

shopping. Now, it’s something I do for myself. I can find

electronics for myself cheaper that day than any other.”

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Make sure you head to the websites of the stores you plan to hit up

that day to ensure you’re one of the first there, before the

merchandise is gone.

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To name a few, Black Friday sales begin at: Khols at 3 a.m., Sears

and Target at 4 a.m., Walmart and Best Buy at 5 a.m., Radio Shack

at 5:30 a.m., Lowes and Staples at 6 a.m.

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3. Do your research. Don’t just hop out of your

car expecting to stumble upon a great deal. 

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Look around beforehand and know exactly what you want before you

look for it. 

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“Sites like bfads.net show great deals for Black Friday, and have

listed ads of a variety of stores,” said my brother, Nathan

Bartlett, the avid Black Friday shopper in our family.

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I personally like Black-Friday.net. They also show the latest ads

for the top stores around the country with the best deals.

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4. Do it online. Many stores will give you the

same deals online that they will in stores. That site

(Black-Friday.net) keeps an updated list with the stores with

current online holiday deals.

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“Last year I waited until the day after Thanksgiving to get this

cute black dress I saw at Old Navy,” said North Alabama resident

Makenze Doucette. “Only I went online that morning instead. I

avoided the long lines and chaos, and still got it half off, which

is what it was going for in stores that day.”

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Fighting the crowds might sound like a chore, so stay in your

pajamas at home and surf the web for the right deal.

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5. Don’t forget about Cyber Monday. In case you

miss out on these great Black Friday deals, you’ve still got that

last chance to brag to your friends about a great find on Cyber

Monday.

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Making its grand debut in 2005, Cyber Monday is becoming a newer

trend for consumers of all ages.

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“I got my GPS on Amazon for 50 percent off on Cyber Monday two

years ago,” Bartlett said.

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According to comScore, $887 million was spent last year on the

Monday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., making it the heaviest

online spending day on record.

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 Retailers know the online shopping industry is growing, and

they’re cashing in and offering great deals to consumers, so take

advantage!