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| Black Friday...This could get ugly. |
We don't want to send you out into the cold, dark night unprepared, though. So, we've put together a little guide to help get you through the madness and, hopefully, net a hefty collection of cheap titles to make the holidays a little bit brighter.
Have a game plan
First, you have to know what you're actually looking for. Several Black Friday specials have been highlighted right here on Joystick Division, as well as loads of recommendations for gift ideas, but it would be wise to double check the listings for your local shops before heading out the door. Highlight everything you would like to pick up, rank the stores in order of importance (usually where you can get the most games for the lowest price), then map out your day accordingly.
Suit up
Get yourself an empty backpack and fill it with supplies. Things to include would be a thermos full of piping hot coffee, energy bars to provide sustenance throughout the day, a ski mask and mace (just in case the right scenario presents itself), and a portable gaming system to help those long lines feel a little bit shorter. It would also be wise to keep a folding chair and a blanket in the car if you're planning on a long wait to break down the doors of your first destination, and you should probably leave some room in the backpack for your purchases. Simply toss it in, zip it up and hightail it to the next stop.
Dress in layers
No matter where you live, it's likely to get cold in the wee hours of the morning. Dress in enough clothing to stay warm, but easily mobile. If at any point all that running around gets you a little hot under the collar, simply lose a layer on the next trip to the car.
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| These people don't mess around. Be ready to fight for what's yours. |
Limber up
Just like surviving the zombie apocalypse (and if you've ever been to a Black Friday sale, you know that's a pretty fair comparison), the spryest survivors manage to stay one step ahead of the soulless, lumbering masses. You're going up against grandparents hopped up on confusion, dads who likely don't want to even be there and moms who are every bit as competitive as their 16-year-old son who really wants that copy of Madden 11. Stay loose and move quickly and you should be able to get in and out in no time at all.
Keep your focus
Do not, under any circumstances, get distracted by other deals. You know exactly what you came for and that is exactly what you are going to get. Ignore all big, flashy signs leading you to the "secret savings," refuse to make small talk with strangers and always remember that there are no "friends" on Black Friday. Don't save spots in line, don't let anyone cut you because they "only have the one item" and, once you have the attention of a sales clerk, knock over a random display on aisle six. This is a sure sign of dominance that will bring said sales clerk running and also serve as a warning to anyone who wants to approach your clerk with "just one quick question."
Cobra Kai, bitches
When in doubt, sweep the leg. Resort to any dirty tricks necessary in order to ensure you get your games and make it back home at a reasonable hour. You and about a million other people are after a limited supply of the very same thing at prices too good to miss. Put simply, you have to want it more than they do. Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy.
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