Black Friday is Coming: We Have Tips and Deals

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Up to 152 million shoppers are expected to visit stores and websites during Black Friday Weekend, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Last year some 212 million shoppers spent about $45 billion over the four days, according the NRF.

Writing in Forbes, Lydia Dishmah, provides an overview of "apps designed to help consumers shop smarter, faster and cheaper." Shopkick, for example, enables shoppers to earn reward points just by opening the app in the entrance area of participating stores. Target is one local retailer taking part.

There's an official Black Friday website, TheBlackFriday.com, featuring Black Friday ads, sales information, and shopping tips. Included in their tips:

• Decide what you want in advance, because you won't be able to cover all stores.
• Give preference to the big ticket items, especially electronics, because on these you'll save more.
• Buy only what you need so you don't end up paying a restocking fee.
• Avoid traffic congestion by parking away from the store and walking. 

Here is a sampling of Black Friday deals:

Target is opening at midnight this year.

Best Buy is opening at midnight as well.

Payless Shoe Source is offering a 15 percent coupon for any purchase from now until Nov. 30. Click here to print out that coupon.

At Kohl's take an extra 15% off your entire purchase with promo code GOBBLE15 at checkout on any online purchase from Tuesday, Nov 22 to Sunday, Nov 27.

Michael's is offering 15 percent off of your entire purchase through Nov. 30 with this coupon.

Abercrombie and Fitch will give you 40 percent off of jackets and vests at the store, use this one.

Gap will give you 50 percent off of any kids or baby item when you sign up for their coupon here. It appears to be a limited number of coupons rather than a free for all print for everyone so be sure to print it soon. 

Bath and Body Works is offering a V.I.P shopping bag filled with 11 exclusive products over a $100 value. To sign up for Black Friday e-mail alerts before the big day, click here.

Closer to home, the is having a big Black Friday sale as well. Open from 8 am to 8 pm, the thrift store is offering 30 percent off regular prices and a chance to enter into one of two drawings for $100 shopping sprees.

After you’ve hit the early morning Black Friday sales, head over to Staples’ ‘early bird sale,’ which kicks off at 6 a.m. on Nov. 25 and runs through noon. While the early bird sale offers extra-special deals, the sale will continue through Saturday, Nov. 26. The office supply store’s circular advertises deals on electronics and home office supplies.

Not interested in competing with the crush of holiday shoppers at big, national chaing stores? Avoid Black Fridaya and instead, stay in Woodinville on Saturday, Nov. 26 for . 

Renton Patch editor, Jenny Manning contributed to this story.

Mercer Island Patch guest editor Robert Baldino contributed to this story.