Black Friday is almost here, so you better get ready for the sales — and the crowds. We could all use some help finding the absolute best sales. It has to be worth your while to face the scores of Black Friday shoppers after all.
Throw in several fabulous online sales and a couple of low-stress shopping events that will allow you to avoid the masses . . . and well, you've got the ultimate Black Friday guide.
Houston Events/Sales
Elaine Turner, with locations in Rice Village, CityCentre and The Woodlands, will open at 8 a.m. to start a "Pink Friday" shopping event with complimentary mimosas and breakfast bites. Before noon, every person who buys more than $200 in stuff will receive 50 percent off a pair of boots or booties. All purchases made on Friday will enter customers in a drawing for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree and an Estrella bib necklace.
Langford Market opens its first "flagship" store on Black Friday in West Ave. The store, which is known for its affordably priced pieces, features clothing, accessories and gift items that cater to the fashion-forward shopper.
M Penner in Uptown Park is taking a philanthropic approach to Black Friday by asking customers to "show their hearts" and shop for a cause. Hosting its third annual "Show Your Hearts Friday," the store will donate 10 percent of all purchases made between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to the Joshua & Robin Berry Children's Trust.
From 8 a.m. until noon, Neiman Marcus is offering up to 60 percent off regular prices, and the rest of the day you save up to 50 percent off regular prices.
Best Buy opens at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving with great deals on electronics. If you're looking to buy a tablet this holiday season, the chain is offering $100 off an iPad 2 or Kindle Fire HD 7.
Starting on Black Friday and extending through Christmas Eve, Samsung is offering a "Holiday Helpers" program where Galaxy smartphone or tablet owners can receive special benefits at The Galaxy Studio on the first level of the Galleria IV near Nordstrom. Shoppers can select one of four free rewards which include a battery exchange, gift wrapping by Papyrus, valet parking and a bag-carrying service, all to help you accomplish your holiday shopping with a little less stress this year.
Target stores open earlier than ever before — at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Check out their doorbuster deals in their Black Friday flyer.
Macy's will also open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving and is offering a multitude of special Black Friday deals.
The Galleria opens 7 a.m. on Friday, and most stores are offering special deals.
Looking to avoid the Black Friday crowds? The Pop Shop Houston at 2000 Edwards inside Silver Street Studios is a great low-stress alternative. The shop, open Friday and Saturday from noon until 8 p.m., is an indie craft, art, and music festival offering a curated selection of art, design, and vintage goods from more than 80 vendors. Bands and DJs will perform and food trucks will be on-site serving delicious goodies. Check the Pop Shop's Facebook page for a full schedule of events and buy your $15 VIP passes here to access the VIP lounge featuring small bites and drinks by local restaurants.
Shop Heights 19th is presenting the Not So Black Friday shopping event on the 200 and 300 blocks of 19th street from 5 to 9 p.m. The event, which will feature live music and food trucks, is a great way to avoid the crowds and also show your support of The Heights' small businesses.
Online Deals
TheOutnet, sister site of Net-a-Porter, is offering 30 percent off the Weekend shop which features pieces from designers like Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Giuseppe Zanotti and Marni.
Saks Fifth Avenue is offering 40 percent off designer items, 60 percent off Diane von Furstenberg, and free shipping with the code “HOLIDAY” at checkout until 5 p.m. CST on Dec. 22.
At Shopbop, spend $250 or more to receive 15 to 25 percent off (depending on the purchase amount) using the code "BIGEVENT13" from now until Dec. 2.
From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, everything online from Goldyn will be 25 percent off when using the code "SPREADTHELOVE," including new Winter 2013 items. Goldyn's online store features a number of high-end brands including Helmut Lang, J Brand, Loeffler Randall and Pamela Love.
Henri Bendel is offering an extra 20 percent off sale items using the code “FSEXTRA20” as well as free shipping. Sign up for emails to receive 10 to 30 percent off your next order (depending on the purchase amount) using code “PARTYGUIDE” from now until Dec. 4.
Black Friday is almost here so prepare yourself with CultureMap's list of local events and online deals.
Love Note by Lyndsey Zorich is available at Saint Bernard stores in Houston, Dallas, Southlake, San Antonio, and Austin, plus online.Photo courtesy of Saint Bernard