It’s Black Friday, here’s your game plan

How to survive your year's busiest shopping spree

Sound the alarm – it’s Black Friday. Prepare for heaving shops, bargains galore and incredibly angry people – for today is the day that, officially, the Christmas shopping season begins.

Shops will throw their doors open earlier than usual, and won’t usher the last exhausted shopper out until late. But how can you ensure that you make it to the end of play today? What’ll it take to scoop up the best deals and maintain a scrap of dignity? What is your Black Friday game plan?

If you are one of the rare few using Black Friday to shop for Christmas present, as it was initially intended, then make a list of what you need for all of your friends and family and methodically work down it, striking off each as you grab their gift.

But if – and this is much more likely – you are heading out with a set jaw, furrowed brow and eye for a new 4K TV, make sure that you research thoroughly online beforehand, know which shop you’re going to, and make a beeline for your chosen bargain.

Impulse buys may seem like a good idea at the time, but you’ll soon find yourself penniless on the run up to Christmas, bemoaning your new massage chair even as it vibrates the knots from your neck.

Instead, set your upper limit. This will mean that you only buy the things you really way, and should hopefully quash any temptation that will inevitably come your way.

This may sound silly, but shopping centres transform into war zones on Black Friday. To succeed, it is imperative that you plan as such. Know where you’re going – and have a route. There will be people swarming and squabbling all around you, but stick to your route and this will give you the best chance of success.

This extends to transportation – if you drive yourself, you’ll likely end up wasting precious shopping hours sitting in a congested car park. Try taking public transport, or have a friend drop you at the door so you can skip the mad dash from your car to the shops.

An intensive day calls for sense. Remember to drink enough water and eat enough food to sustain you on your spree, and take breaks every now and then.

Think logically – if you’re looking to get a new pair of shoes, some kitchen knives and a surround sound speaker system, maybe don’t buy the speakers first – as you’ll have to lug them around for the rest of the day. But don’t leave it too long – the bargains will soon be snapped up, so prioritise.

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