By For the past several years I have been disheartened by Black Friday. I was unable to understand why people would stand in line for hours to get a deal on a flat screen TV, or wait outside of Toys R Us for a ticket, to get access to a limited edition Elmo.
This year, I became a believer.
On Friday, November 26, 2011, I slowly waded into the pool that is the craziness of Black Friday consumerism. It all started with a 9AM trip to the Shoppes at Farmington Valley. My first stop was to Talbots, to look for something for my mother-in-law. I snagged one full priced item for 50% off and 30% off my remaining purchase, saving $80.
My second stop was to Ann Taylor Loft. I have a holiday party quickly approaching and I was on the hunt for a glittery, inexpensive, festive top. The entire store was 50% off. I scooped up, one holiday top, one sweater dress, and a silk top for work, saving a total of $104. Granted, this stop did nothing to help me reduce my ever expanding holiday gift list, but the tops were a great deal!
My final stop of the morning was to Gymboree. My feelings toward Gymboree are mixed. I often find my shopping experience to be hit or miss, but I do find that the clothes are good quality and excellent for daycare or school. This particular stop was a definite HIT! For starters, the entire store was 30%, including the sale items, which were already marked down 30%. I found several items and made my way to the registers. While standing in line, a generous woman behind informed me that if I sent a text to Gymboree they would send me a code for an additional 20% off! I bought five outfits for my girls, one baby outfit for a friend, three pair of underwear, and eight pair of soxs, saving a total of $212! That’s right, I got $317 worth of clothes for $105.
My total Black Friday savings was $396. Not bad for three stores and two hours worth of my time. I have a new found respect for those people you see on the evening news camping out in front of Best Buy in their tents, waiting for the $200, 42 inch flat screen TV. Amazing deals are addicting!
I hope that all ctworkingmoms.com readers and bloggers and their families had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and enjoy the upcoming holiday season.
This year was my third time out. I pick only a few stores and it’s always a little crazy but the experience is part of it. If you really want to go for it, head to Wal-Mart or Toys R Us when the doors open. I don’t wait in line to get in but I have been there and waited for hours to check out! Glad you were able to get some great deals!
I’m one who also shakes my head at the Black Friday hype….but you sure make it tempting! 😉