Here are a few tips from this shopping veteran that may keep some of you from leaving the store empty-handed and disappointed.
Step 1: Plan. Look through the ads, figure out what you want and prioritize what you want. Make lists.
Step 2: Get there early. If a sale starts at 6 a.m., Jackson said she’d get there at 4 a.m.
Step 3: Scope out the scene.
At Walmart, for example, items won’t be in their corresponding department. DVDs, for example, may be set out by the beauty supplies, and toys on special may be set out by the frozen foods.
“You have to figure out where everything on your list is,” Jackson said.
Walmart, for example, typically gives Black Friday shoppers a map.
In addition, you have to figure out what items are limited. Some of those items you will have to stand in line for.
Step 4: Bring family and friends.
If you have several big items on your list with high priorities, you might have to send a family member or some friends to stand and wait for that item.
“It is also good to make friends while you are there,” Jackson said.
Friends can wait in line and grab an extra item for you if, for example, you wait in another line and grab an item for them.
“A person by themselves couldn’t go and get it all,” Jackson said.
Step 5: Keep in touch with family and friends. Bring cell phones and let others know what you have and where you are.
Step 6: Watch your basket.
If an item runs out, and you were lucky enough to have one in your basket, others may be looking for it and walk away with your bounty.
“I’ve seen it happen to others. It has never happened to me though,” Jackson said.
Step 7: Be prepared for crowds.
Typically, crowds gather around the items that are most desired. Usually that item will be on a pallet and be shrink-wrapped. And as soon as 6 a.m. (or whenever the sale starts) hits, you just know, Jackson said. An employee usually takes off the shrink wrap or people just start ripping it off.
Over the years, Jackson said she has seen a lot of aggressive behavior. She has seen arguments. She has seen people dive into bins or get pushed into bins.
“It’s an adrenaline rush,” Jackson said.
Step 8: Keep your eyes open.
Sometimes people will grab something and decide they don’t want it and set it down elsewhere in the store.
Jackson said she does most of her shopping on Black Friday for the entire year, not just for Christmas.
“You can stock up on birthday gifts,” she said. “Pillows, towels and sheets are all on sale. If you plan, you can stock up.”
What to wear: This is a competition. Be sure to dress light, wear good shoes and carry water.
This year, Jackson has decided to sit Black Friday shopping out. So that means, there is room for one of you to step up and fill her shoes.