Patch Readers’ Advice for Black Friday? Don’t Go

We reached out to Patch readers across the area through Facebook to get their best tips for Black Friday shopping. The most common advice we received? Don’t go. 

“Save your money,” advised Kyle McAdams on the Lake View Patch's Facebook page. 

John Gianopulos agreed.

“Online shopping,” he wrote on the Lake View Patch. “This way you can stay in, stay warm and drink more.”

Several readers advised shoppers to take advantage of “Cyber Monday” and online deals, instead of braving the crowds at big stores.

“Stay home, shop online,” advised Joel Craig on the North Center-Roscoe Village Patch Facebook page. “No parking meters by my couch.”

Erin Holness wrote on the Lincoln Square Patch’s page to “stay home and shop online!” 

Other readers urged shoppers to stay local and take advantage of Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday where shoppers are urged to patronize locally-owned businesses.

“Wait till Saturday and shop local,” Les Lu wrote on the Evanston Patch’s page. “Enjoy your day off with family and friends.”

A few diehard shoppers, however, refuse to let the naysayers deter their excitement.

“Have fun and plan out your trip!” Zenobia Puckett wrote on the Oak Park-River Forest Patch’s Facebook page. “Me and my girlfriends do it every year and we love it!” 

Melody Jean, also on the Oak Park-River Forest Patch, advised shoppers to dress for the weather.

“Go with friends, dress in layers, have a plan with alternative choices and have fun!” she wrote.

What’s YOUR best advice for Black Friday? Do you love the sales or avoid the stores? Let us know in the comments below.