The Record - Black Friday Bargins

A guide to the Black Friday bargain hunt

Thursday, November 25, 2004

By DELIA BLACKLER PERRETTA
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD

CHRIS PEDOTA / THE RECORD

For some people, the Friday after Thanksgiving is all about relaxing and eating turkey leftovers. But others equate the day, unofficially known as Black Friday, with serious holiday shopping.

According to the National Retail Federation, total holiday

retail sales are projected to increase 4.5 percent from last year, bringing holiday spending to $219.9 billion. That's a whole lot of presents.

"The holiday season, which generally accounts for nearly one-quarter of the retail industry's sales in any given year, can make or break a retailer's annual performance," says Ellen Tolley, an NRF spokeswoman. That's why retailers like to kick it off with sales and promotions.

Some people have other motives for shopping, though.

What do you bring on a holiday shopping trip?

"My gift lists from last year, so I don't get people the same things year after year."
- Mary Grace Sponn, Ridgewood

"Water, my list and, hopefully, not my toddler."
- Rita Cookson, River Edge

"My Visa."
- Stacey Sandler, Mahwah

"My daughter - to help me shop and carry my packages."
- Toni Felipe, Glen Rock

"Nothing, but it would probably be easier if I took a list."
- Mary McAuliffe, Allendale

Highlights, lowlights of holiday shopping

HIGHLIGHT: "Finding a gift that isn't run-of-the-mill."
LOWLIGHT: "Getting the credit card bills in January."
- Adrienne Anderson, Closter

HIGHLIGHT: "The holiday music, because it puts me in the spirit."
LOWLIGHT: "Parking, and the long lines."
- Deborah Sittng, Hackensack

HIGHLIGHT: "Buying the last present."
LOWLIGHT: "Buying the first present."
- Elaine DelColle, Franklin Lakes

"Truthfully, you really don't get the deals you used to on Black Friday," says Lisa Marie Monnig of Fair Lawn. "I go more for the sport of it these days. Plus, I have a great time watching everyone going crazy."

Christina Tillsley of Franklin Lakes says she prefers to do some of her shopping online at midnight after Thanksgiving Day.

"At places like Kohl's and Wal-Mart, you can get great prices hours before the brick-and-mortar store opens and you don't have to face the crowds," she says. "And sometimes they even offer free shipping."

If you're one of those folks who takes the day seriously, visit bf04.com. The site, an offshoot of gottadeal.com, gets early information on sales.

"The information is mostly e-mailed to me from store workers and friends of store workers," says Brad Olson, the site's founder.

But be warned: The Web site's disclaimer reads, "All information on this site is strictly unconfirmed, unsubstantiated rumor. ... " Still, it's fun to browse.

Advice from the pros

During the holiday season, there's so much to do: decorating, cooking turkeys, baking cookies, entertaining - the list goes on and on. So how do you make the most of your limited shopping time? Here's what experts have to say.

Use common sense:

"Wear comfortable shoes, don't bring your kids if you don't have to, and bring a list," says Ellen Tolley of the National Retail Federation. "Also, organize your coupons so you have everything ready when you get to the checkout counter, and take a break for lunch or a soda.

"Remember to enjoy yourself. The holiday season is meant to be a fun experience - it's not meant to be chaotic," she says.

Watch your wallet:

To avoid overspending, bring only the credit cards and the amount of cash you plan to use, advises Sheila Adkins of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. This will help you budget more wisely and save you some hassle if your wallet gets stolen.

Never leave your wallet on the counter, and make sure you have your credit card in hand after you make a purchase.

Don't get "swiped":

If your credit card is being swiped through two machines, a salesperson may be trying to rip you off. According to Adkins, this scam (also known as "skimming") often occurs at smaller retail establishments.

If this happens, she suggests having the transaction canceled immediately. You can also ask to speak with a supervisor.

Stay safe:

During the peak shopping season, it's nearly impossible to park close to a store's entrance at night. But you can take other precautions.

First, park in a well-lit area. Also, shop with a friend, and try not to overload yourself with packages and bulky coats. Thieves tend to look for victims who are distracted, so be conscious of your surroundings.

- Delia Blackler Perretta

Mall hours

GARDEN STATE PLAZA (closed Sundays)

Friday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Monday to Dec. 4: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 6-10 and Dec. 13-15: 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Dec. 11: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 and 17: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Dec. 18: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Dec. 20-23: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Dec. 24: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

THE MALL AT SHORT HILLS

Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday and Dec. 12: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday to Dec. 4 and Dec. 19: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 5: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dec. 6-11 and Dec. 13-17: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 18 and Dec. 20 to Dec. 23: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 24: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

PARAMUS PARK (closed Sundays)

Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to Dec. 3: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 4 and Dec. 6-11, 13-15: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 16 and Dec. 17: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Dec. 18 and Dec. 20-23: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Dec. 24: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

THE SHOPS AT RIVERSIDE (closed Sundays)

Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Monday to Dec. 4, Dec. 6-10, Dec. 13-17 and Dec. 20-23: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 11 and 18: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 24: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

THE WILLOWBROOK MALL

Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to Dec. 9: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 10-16: 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 17-23: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Dec. 24: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.