Black Friday Shopping Etiquette

Planning on going shopping on Black Friday? I bet you are! All those wonderful sales! It's a great attempt to get all your shopping done in one day. it's also a great way to burn off that extra piece of Pumpkin Pie you had at 2 this morning. But before you get out your scarf and but the kiddies in the car seats, there are some things you should know that will hopefully make your shopping a bit merrier. It will also make the day nicer for all those retail employees that will be doing their best to get you what you want and get you on your way.

First on the list... Please don't call around to see what stores have what in stock. You will be on hold for centuries and in the time it will take you to call a store or two, you could have gone down there, bought it and gift wrapped it. Even if you do find the right toy at the closest store for the cheapest price, chances are that they won't be able to hold it for you. And in the rare case that they do put it on hold, it may be lost in the clutter produced by all the other Black Friday shoppers. So put down the phone and get on your shoes, get in your car, go through the Starbucks drive-thru and get over to Target.

Second... Please don't bother ten different store employees to find you the last copy of the hottest video game or that new baby doll that every girl must have this year. If the store is out of it, they're out of it. There's no secret stash of holiday must-haves that are waiting in the stock room for the most persistent customer. The hundred or so people that got out of bed to be in line at the store at 4 this morning probably got the first dibs on the cool stuff. If you absolutely must have the to-die-for items on the kiddos Christmas lists, skip the Thanksgiving cocktails and set your alarm. You don't even have to shower or change in the morning. Some comfy pajamas suffice for jeans and a T-shirt. And chances are, at least a few other people had the same idea.