Black Friday Shopping Strategies - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

We're just a few days away from arguably the busiest shopping day of the year. Black Friday... the day after Thanksgiving... is regarded as the kickoff to the holiday shopping season.  It's when retailers bring out the deals to lure shoppers through the door.

For many Americans, Black Friday is more than just a big day of shopping... It's a battle. There's a strategy to picking up those huge deals. Amy Cole is a veteran of Black Friday shopping... and she always has a game plan.  Her plan of attack includes:

• Don't go alone.  She has a group of 15. "It's all getting that buy," Amy says.  "We all want to work together.  And the more you have working as a group, you're going to get what you want."
• Know your deals, by pouring over the newspaper or online ads.   
• Plot out your course of action, and send out your army of shoppers to the stores.
• Dress in layers.  It may be cold outside, but it can get steamy inside with the crowds.
• Amy's tip to avoid the biggest mistake shoppers can make?  Once the doors open, have someone get in line right away.  "Not having someone stand in line, the wait in line to check out, is the longest wait.  And that's when you lose time in going to the other stores."

Do all these things, and you have a better chance of landing that Black Friday bargain.