Nature Calls

The craziness of spring time, our new favorite hobby, COUPONING, and numerous little league practices have kept us away from our computers. But, let's take an hour and focus on SHOPPING! Black Friday is coming up. Have you checked out your Black Friday List in the last month? Any new additions to your list?

We've discussed the art of making a good list. We discussed planning, getting organized (more to follow when we get closer!) and recruiting friends. We've outlined break times and sustenance.

But, what about potty breaks?

It really happens. Unlike your favorite fiction novel where no one EVER uses the restroom, in the real world - at some point (an hour after the Starbucks stop??) it is going to be neccessary.

Theanswer seems simple enough if you are shopping in a group (another great reason to go with friends)while waiting in the check-out line, take turns visiting the restroom while a line holder maintains the spot. The moments it takes to use the restroom will make the difference in getting that screaming deal, or being left looking at an empty shelf! It has happend to me a time or two!

Being the line holder has perks as well. It is a great chance to review shopping plans in anticipation of the next stop/store. It's also a swell time to evaluate purchases: Did you get everything wanted at this store? Did you find a better idea? Or did you miss out on something, and need to peruse the ads for a replacement? If there are multiple people on your team, take turns as the line holder, and help gather items on the teams lists.

Another perk of being the line holder is chatting with other shoppers. Often you will see something fun in their cart and consider it as a replacement gift rather than the one on your list. Or, you might have headed in with no ideas for a person and be inspired by another shopper. If you have gone in with matching apparrel (check out our Pink Camo sweatshirts! Other merchandise will be available for purchase in the late summer) it will spark discussion with other shoppers.

Lastly, it is a good idea to have one team member hold the place in line upon entering the store if it has a very long line. Last Novemeber, we arrived at Kohl's at the same time as another team: They got in line right away and we didn't. We were stuck in line for 2 HOURS and they waved as they headed for the next store!!! A simple plan in our group as we walked in the door would have saved us time, energy and momentum.

Happy Shopping!!!