How to Survive Black Friday Shopping in New York City

NEW YORK, NY — Chaos is nothing new to New Yorkers, and the crowds on Black Friday are no exception. If you're up for diving through throngs of people to get your hands on the best Black Friday products on NYC's busiest shopping day of the year, check out Patch's guide to see stores that offer extended hours and holiday deals, and tips on how to make it through the day.

Here are some NYC stores that will be offering Black Friday deals:

Lord & Taylor: Midtown West (424 5th Ave.)

Black Friday sales start at 6 a.m. at Lord & Taylor, the oldest luxury department store in the U.S. According to TheBlackFriday.com, shoppers can expect 50 percent off women's apparel, 65 percent off men's styles, 65 percent off kids' styles, 50 percent off select coats and more great deals. Thankfully there's a Sarabeth's inside the store so you can refuel after your shopping is over.

Macy's Herald Square: Midtown West (151 W 34th St.)

This is the world's largest department store, and expect it to be packed. Macy's will open it's doors at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and stay open through the night. Expect cashmere sweaters for $39.99 instead of the usual $139-149 price, boots for $19.99 instead of $50-60, $19.99 on dress shirts and ties instead of $50-55, 75 percent off of outerwear and more.

Century 21 (Various Locations)

Century 21 always provides deals on designer wear, but expect even better deals this Friday. Century 21 locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Black Friday. Checkout the Century 21 locations all over the city.

Bergdorf Goodman: Midtown West (754 Fifth Ave.)

Black Fridays at this landmark department store never disappoint. Arrive early from 8-10 a.m. to enjoy complimentary morning treats, like coffee, hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls, granola squares, fresh orange juice and tea. Shoppers can enter to win a deluxe gift basket of latest cosmetics, receive a complimentary makeover and manicure from Bobbi Brown, receive a Balenciaga cosmetics bag with a purchase of their fragrance and more. Reduced ready-to-wear items will be 20 percent off and select designer sportswear collections will be up to 40 percent off.

Saks Off Fifth: Midtown East (125 East 57th St.)

The festivities will kick off at 7 a.m. at this posh department store. The store has yet to announce their Black Friday deals, but they do have Black Friday Early Access online this week, that will get shoppers up to 75 percent off certain products. Check out their website here.

Brookfield Place: Battery Park ( 230 Vesey St.)

Fashionistas can hit a ton of stores at Brookfield Place: Burberry, Club Monaco, Gucci, J Crew, Vince, Lulu Lemon, Warby Parker and more. This luxury mall will open at 8 a.m. Friday.

Here are some more Black Friday deals, according to Nerd Wallet:

• Bath & Body Works: Doors open at 6 a.m. Friday. Shoppers can get a VIP tote bag, valued at $115, for $20 with a $40 purchase. The bag includes two coin bags, a PocketBac hand sanitizer, a Champagne Toast three-wick candle, shower gel and body mist in this season's featured scent, a Thousand Wishes hand soap and lotion.
• Walgreens: Most stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thanksgiving and 7 a.m. to midnight on Black Friday. Shoppers can snag 40 percent off select toys, 50 percent off Sony and iHome headphones, Hershey's and Haribo candy for 59 cents and more.
• Target: Check your nearest Target location to confirm holiday hours since some stores vary, but Black Friday starts at 6 p.m. Thursday at most stores and online. Some of the best deals include select Apple iPads starting as low as $199.79, 40 percent off select Lego and play sets and 50 percent off select Black & Decker, Oster, West Bend and Hamilton Beach kitchen appliances.

Now that you know where to shop, here are some tips on how to survive the day:

1. Wear comfortable clothing. There's no shame in wearing workout clothes and sneakers to Black Friday shop, in fact we recommend that. If you're wearing pants that are a little too tight after a Thanksgiving feast or shoes that are cause pain when you run from rack to rack, you'll most likely be distracted with wardrobe malfunctions instead of focusing on the deals.
2. Stay hydrated. We're not kidding about this one, we all want to count shopping as a cardio workout, and this isn't exactly far off on Black Friday. You don't want to feel faint or dizzy and miss the sweater you've been dying to get your hands on at Bergdorfs.
3. Have a plan and set a budget. While it's tempting to go all out on this holiday, make sure to stay within your means. Plan where you want to shop and what deals are offered, and don't get carried away.
4. Keep your phone handy. Whether you're trying to contact your lost family member in the huge Macy's or download coupons online, it's important you keep your phone on and charged.

Photo: Powhusku via Flickr/Creative Commons