3 Reasons I’m Doing My Holiday Shopping Before Black Friday

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Some people wait until Black Friday to tackle their holiday shopping. Read on to see why this writer is taking a different approach. 

A lot of people I know are excited to shop on Black Friday this year. And if you’ve been saving for the big event, you might feel similarly.

I, on the other hand, intend to do a lot of my holiday shopping before Black Friday this year. And I’m not the only one. Late October data by Sitecore found that 28% of consumers got an early start to their holiday shopping this year.

Here’s why shopping before Black Friday is the right approach for me — and why it may be the right one for you, too.

1. I’m convinced there will be equally good deals the week before the big event

Retailers tend to do a good job of talking up Black Friday, so many consumers are wired to believe that Black Friday is really when the best deals of the year will hit. I’m not going to argue the fact that Black Friday is likely to be loaded with sales. But I’m also fairly confident in saying that there are plenty of good deals to be had in the days leading up to Black Friday.

Costco, for example, has already released a host of pre–Black Friday deals that are available online and in warehouse club stores. Since I have a membership, I plan to stop in and see what gifts I can scoop up in the coming week.

2. Shopping early makes it less likely that the items on my list will sell out

This year, my holiday shopping list is very gift-focused. I don’t have items I’m looking to buy for myself in conjunction with my holiday shopping. This means that I really need to get my purchases made in short order since there’s a deadline to consider.

I’m worried that if I wait until Black Friday to do my shopping, the things on my list (or at least some of them) will sell out. And the last thing I want is to disappoint my kids because I waited too long to look for the things they want.

3. I like to spend Black Friday with family — not shopping

My husband and I both work long hours. Between that and my kids’ school and sports schedules, it’s pretty rare to get a day where we have an opportunity to stay home, relax, and spend time together.

I’d much rather do that than go to the mall on Black Friday and battle crowds. And while I know that there are plenty of Black Friday deals to be had online, I’d still rather spend the day with family than sit at my laptop comparing prices on toys and apparel.

I know a lot of people are looking forward to Black Friday and are gearing up to charge up a storm on their credit cards that day. But clearly, there are benefits to tackling your holiday shopping before the big event. So consider hitting the stores this week (perhaps while they’re less crowded) or looking online for the big-ticket items on your list. If anything, it might reduce your stress and help you enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend even more.

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