Gearing up for Black Friday

So you’ve just finished off that giant turkey, and the Black Friday ads have already got you thinking about Christmas before Thanksgiving day is over.

That’s where Black Friday comes in. Ever since Roosevelt switched the dates to the 3rd Thursday in November in the 40s (and switched back again 3 years later), Black Friday (and its ads) has been the epitome of mad-dash bargain-hunting for the savings-savvy and casual shopper alike.

This year there’s not only a plethora of bargains to be had, but also a variety of opening times. Given the unfortunate incidents at some stores last year, more department stores and big-box stores are opening up earlier this year, and with pre-doorbuster sales to spread out crowds. Of note this year is Toys R Us, with Black Friday ads advertising midnight openings, and Sears, which opens at 4am. There are still the usual deals to be had, with Best Buy offering a 15″ Gateway laptop for just $199 (most small netbooks sell for at least $300, let alone laptops).

So whatever time you do make it to the shops, maybe it’s a good thing you had that giant meal after all – good fuel for holiday shopping!

Americans Gearing Up For Black Friday Sales 2009