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How to be a Shopping Assassin on Black Friday

Posted at 11:00 PM, Nov 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-22 23:24:21-05

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - Close to 100 million people will be shopping this Black Friday and with that many people hitting the stores, how do you get the best deals and items you want? News 3 Reporter Kim Cung did some digging and here are a few things you should know so you can outwit and out think the next shopper.

“Not everything you see on black Friday is worth buying just then," said Trae Bodge, a shopping expert for Yroo.com

Historically, the deepest discounts are on electronics, apparel and beauty products. Focus on those three categories to save the most money.

“If you look on a site like giftcardgranny for instance, they sell discounted gift cards and the discounts they offer can range from 2-30 percent. You’ve automatically saved that amount right off the bat," said Bodge.

Bodge also emphasizes making a list. So, before you even leave for the store, make a list and make it specific. Include people you need to buy gifts for and what you plan on getting them to avoid overspending.

Best Buy is one of the most crowded stores and hits the top spending category.

“Some of the hot items this year, you have your new phones coming out, drones are extremely popular, 4K TVs and then we have all of our PCs as well," said Adam Beaber with Best Buy.

The electronics store draws huge crowds. Don't waste time while waiting in line. Use that time to do last-minute research on products you're unfamiliar with.

“While we work the line, we do allow one ticket per person based on the item. Let’s say you want that phone, that PC and that TV, you’d be able to have one ticket for each one," said Beaber.

Once you're inside, go for the item you want most. But keep in mind, 30 percent head for the home theater section, 30 percent go for computers and 30 percent rush to where the cell phones are.

For when you're at the mall, personal stylist Erin Heffelfinger said to think of what you're buying for.

“Stick to your plan. Shop with a purpose. You’re shopping for gifts, you’re shopping for people, you’re shopping for yourself, you’re shopping for an event, stick to that," said Heffelfinger.

When it comes to apparel, people will spend an estimated $120 million. Heffelfinger said this is the time to buy both trendy items and wardrobe basics.

“You can score some really good deals. A faux leather jacket. I have a 10 year old, she would love a faux leather jacket. This is the perfect time I would buy a faux leather jacket because I wouldn’t pay full price for a 10-year-old who is going to grow," said Heffelfinger.

A good tip to keep in mind: If you see a deal that’s 40 percent or more, grab it. If it’s 40 percent or less you can skip it and know you’ll get another deal later.