Black ops for Black Friday

[caption id="attachment_1516" align="alignright" width="300"] Photograph/ AP[/caption]

By Kari Travis, World Editor

Let's talk about two little words.

Black Friday.

Guaranteed, this adjective and noun combination gets an immediate reaction from most of us. Some of us will feel our hearts shrivel in abject terror. Others might reel with emotions that can only be described as shopper's glee.

The remainder of the audience is likely to glower under the influence of retail repulsion.

But let's face it. No matter our feelings or opinions surrounding the most hallowed of all shopping holidays, many of us are likely to take advantage of a Black Friday sale (or two).

That being said, we must all face a very harsh reality. Our sanity is likely at stake the moment we step into the frenzy of that late night sale.

But no need to fret just yet! Read on to pick up some easy tips for making the most of that post-Thanksgiving sale scavenge.

• Get Smart

If you have a smartphone, your shopper's IQ just skyrocketed. Major chain stores offer developed apps to help you stay on top of deals without getting dragged into the consumer fray of the store atmosphere.

According to a recent shoppers report from the Huffington Post, Macy's retail chain is promoting special, unadvertised details on its app as part of an enhanced Black Friday experience.

Other apps to check out are those offered by Kohl's and JC Penney, both of which offer up-to-date coupons, as well as information on prices, product locations and sales.

• Get Ahead

At the beginning of the holiday season this year you might want to give special thanks for the internet. With the help of sites like blackfriday.com, shoppers can do their retail homework ahead of schedule. Not only does the site provide ads for multiple stores and product lines, but it also maps the deals, steals and sweet reveals.

All this information is available to you with just a few clicks and keystrokes, allowing you to map your shopping strategy and play it smart once the mall doors finally swing open.

• Get Connected

One of the most practical shopping solutions is to check out the social media chatter. Facebook friends, Twitter followers and many other social media users offer lots of insider information on the hottest deals.

Keep your smartphone or iPad with you at all times while on the early morning sale trail and take note of deals your friends are talking about. If you're looking for that one, hot sale item that's on hundreds of other wish lists, then this can be an invaluable search tool.

• Get Real

Here's the most important tip of all. Know your spending limit, and stick to it. The last thing you want to do is straggle your way home after an all-night spending spree only to face a crippling case of buyer's remorse.

Before any purchase, question the choice and compare the prices. Chances are that the first item you stumble upon isn't going to be the best deal you can find.

Stick to your shopping strategy and avoid impulse buys.

You'll likely be more satisfied in the long-run if you avoid running up your credit cards or bank account just because you felt drawn to that cashmere sweater or sleek playstation. (Once you're broke, it won't matter that those items were 50 percent off).

• Get Out and Shop!

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to keep the stress of Black Friday at arms length.

And these are just the starter ideas. Think through your plans ahead of time, come up with your own attack strategy and get the deals you want out of the biggest shopping day of the year.

Who knows? You might even join the ranks of those who feel shopper's glee after late-night deal hunting. Then again, maybe not.

But one thing's for sure. If you implement these strategies, you won't be subject to as much terror or repulsion when all you really want is to devise your attack strategy, get deals on Christmas gifts and get out of the store.

Good Friday to you. And good luck.

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