The Emerald Coast is known for sugar white sand beaches, great golf, and fantastic, fresh seafood. This year, local shopping centers like Destin Commons and Silver Sands Factory Stores are pulling out all the stops for Black Friday, and many stores are opening well before midnight on Friday. Here are some ways to get the most out of your Black Friday adventure.
Get the lay of the land. Head to your destination's website and download or print the map. Knowing exactly where the electronics are or where you can find that killer purse will save you valuable time and make the whole experience less frustrating.Â
Do your homework. Scour the circulars from Thursday's paper, read the latest online newsletter, and make your shopping list. Silver Sands and Destin Commons will be open at 8:00 on Thursday, but many stores are staggering their opening times. Bass Pro will open at 5:00 AM Friday morning, while Best Buy and Target are opening at 6:00 Thursday. Walmart is open 24 hours, but "door-buster" sales will begin at 6:00 on Thursday night.
Stay connected. Silver Sands and Destin Commons will be releasing up to the minute deals on their websites, and individual stores will be announcing insider deals via Facebook, Twitter, and text message.
Keep your energy up. Restaurants and coffee shops are opening early as well, so pop in for another cup of coffee, a sandwich, or a gelato to keep that blood sugar up.
Be festive. Remember, this is supposed to be fun! The stores along the Emerald Coast are gearing up for a party and you're invited. So grab your wallet, your smart phone, and your sneakers and get shopping.