Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. One day each year, millions of Americans wake long before dawn and head out into the cold. Bundled in their thickest winter coats and softest scarves, they huddle together outside stores, adrenaline rising, waiting for the main event to start. We're talking, of course, about Black Friday.

The biggest shopping day of the year isn't for the weak-hearted. To take full advantage of Black Friday potential, you'll have to conquer the early wake-up call, the long lines and strong possibility that someone's mom is going to beat you up over who scores the last Blu-ray player.

But when you finally make it back to the car, dragging bags full of presents for your loved ones, you'll know your zen-like patience paid off.

When & Where to Look for the Black Friday Deals

As the two streams of commerce - retail stores and online stores - converge, it's hard to say where the best deals will be. And, of course, many of the stores that consumers might visit in person are the same brand names that one might visit online.
Need a bit more convincing? Check out 10 more reasons why you should head to the mall on Black Friday.

There aren’t any crowds at home

For many, the worst part of Black Friday is battling hordes of shoppers. At home, though, there are no carts to push, people to dodge or long lines to wait in. You’ll enjoy sales from the comfort of your couch. Completing a purchase takes just moments, and then you can sit back and wait for the goods to arrive at your door.
 
You get to see what all is out there in the stores and what other people are buying. (It can be very interesting to see what people spend their hard-earned money on.)

There really are some deals on Black Friday for early bird shoppers

The fliers are loaded with "doorbusters" and special deals that can save you some serious dollars if they match up with your list.

The music and the crowds 

of the big shopping day help put me in the Christmas mood. I really do find that the shoppers (at least most of them) share a sense of excitement and joy of the upcoming season.

Coupon codes can mean bigger savings

Shopping online makes comparing prices easy; just browse different retailers online to see how the deals stack up on specific items. The bonus? Before you complete a purchase, you can search the Web for relevant coupon codes. You may be able to add discounts on top of already reduced prices.

It is a good way to spend time with a friend

and it ensures a good visit during the busy holiday season. You can meet up early and enjoy the time together.

And, shopping can be a good way to walk off some of those calories you packed in on Thanksgiving Day. Take your Fitbit with you and feel good about all those steps you are taking at the mall.

Free shipping is a growing trend

Historically, one of the drawbacks of making purchases online has been the shipping fees. Consumers are in for a treat this year, as many stores are offering free seasonal shipping.

Some of the merchandise is lower-end

 prices may continue to drop as the holiday season approaches; it's too easy to over spend in the midst of a buying frenzy, it's crowded, and the real bargains may be limited in quantity and sold to earlybird shoppers.
 
At Best Buy, shoppers can enjoy free standard shipping through Jan. 2 on eligible products with no minimum purchase amount required. Similarly, Target is offering free standard shipping with no minimum purchase amount through Dec. 25. See each retailer’s website for details and exclusions.