Black Friday

• This takes place the last Friday of November, that is, the day after the American holiday of Thanksgiving.  Merchants and retailers may open their stores starting as early as 4 a.m., but consumers will be found waiting in line for hours prior to that. 
• Once the doors are open, the grabbing, trampling, and screaming begins.  (Sounds kind of animalistic, doesn't it?)  With limited numbers of sale items, it is a first-come, first-serve game.  Pricey items like flat panel TVs  and digital cameras  are sometimes up to 75% off, making the wait (and the battle) worth it. 
• Stores will often publish their anticipated in-store discounts up to two months in advance, giving consumers an idea of what to expect and where to plan their holiday shopping.  If you are lucky, you can browse ads and find some that offer the discount not only to in-store customers, but to online shoppers as well.     

 Cyber Monday

• Some folks prefer to skip the chaos and wait for Cyber Monday the following week.  Retail vendors offer their discounted prices for online shopping only during this limited sale day. 
• With the comfort of shopping from home in your pyjamas  or at the office  during your lunch break, the race is no longer one of strength but rather one of internet speed .  Sales items are in limited quantities on the web and often sell out quickly, as many people will participate in this option. 
• In 2007, Cyber Monday saw $733 million in online spending, hitting a record and showcasing the popularity of internet shopping these days.  (Hint: Use ShopWiki to research and compare products!)    
• Read our guide on Internet Shopping Tips before purchasing anything.  You want to make sure you are shopping securely.

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