During my teenage years, I worked at the Discovery Channel Store in a NH mall. I watched as the hordes swarmed by, clamoring for deals at the gate as we furtively stocked register drawers. We never had any other than our standard clearance shelf filled with dusty emotive, New Age books, so while we had a steady stream of customers, our “cashwrap” lines were short enough to allow us to take breaks.
One year I waited my full lunch break for the special edition of Moulin Rouge (which came with a free DVD). The next it took me 45 minutes to get a Gloria Jean Coffee. The third year I visited by brother, who was getting mobbed as a Game Stop employee. I reasoned that working BF was fun when I could retreat to the back room, but I couldn’t foresee ever shopping then.
This year though, I think I will. I think I will. A combination of factors–the thrill of the chase, the minor fact that an H&M opened today *shriek!!!* ahem*…who knows. It also helps that while my husband and my brother will be off staking out Best Buys in sparsely populated areas, my practically-sister-in-law whom I adore and just happens to be very fashionable and I will be together…which generally leads to Boston or the nearest Sephora, whichever comes first.
Now, don’t mistake me. I personally will get my mascara free from CVS as long as I breathe. BUT, there are just some things that must be bought with an awesome ambiance, and there is that unique American joy of walking around a mall with an Anthropologie bag on one arm and a C.O. Bigelow bag on the other.
PLUS, certain things that I’m getting for my husband are for-real on sale, and can save me money, honey. So, in the interest of me and my brother’s girlfriend, oh, and The Economy, here are the best girl-centric Black Friday Deals for the North Shore:
Marc Jacobs (on Newbury St. Boston): Shoe Sale 70% off!!
H&M is offering 20% off all purchases of 50$ or more.
Sephora looks like it’s got great freebies, but all online! 
http://www.sephora.com/promo/beautybonuses/index.jhtml
American Eagle: buy 1 top, get 1 50% off
NY & Co. : B1G1 75% off; 30$/75$ coupon mailed out.
Old Navy: FREE Samsung MP3 Player w/ $20 Purchase
Victoria’s Secret has the below coupons, plus a free Dream Angels Perfume Vial (deals found here: http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/victorias-secret/151482-deals-first-fellow-associate-update-11-25-2008-a-post1108446.html#post1108446 ) I don’t see any dates on these coupons, so I’m not sure on the expiration:
http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hBJHDL7AcckdyB7XFTI$XTlt-xI/doc.html?RAF_TRACK=&email
http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hBJIXtzAcckdyB7XJesBJjZGcCB/doc.html?RAF_TRACK=&email=
Bath & Body Works: Spend 40, Use 10$ off 30$ coupon here: http://f.chtah.com/i/34/528207786/20081107a_8438coupon.html and get a bag valued at 100$ for only 15.
Bath & Body Works free product with 10$ purchase http://f.chtah.com/i/34/528207786/20081124_8536_coupon.html
Lucky Brand: *New Info Edit* On Thanksgiving Day, everything is 40% off online, with free shipping over 100$. From 6-12 on Black Friday, get a free gift with purchase of jeans, and get another item 50% off.
Barnes & Noble : 10% off 1 item coupon: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/email/nav.asp?r=1&PID=25586&afsrc=1&r=1
Borders: 25% off 1 Item: http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/coupon251127.asp?cmpid=SA_20081125_REW
plus other stuff on sale coupon: http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_bfpass?cmpid=SA_20081125_REW
Teavana : 10$ off 30$ purchase coupon: http://www.teavana.com/c=s_join/shop.axd/Static?cm_mmc=Aff-_-Text-_-Disc-_-10coupon
and http://www.teavana.com/shop.axd/Poll
Ann Taylor Loft 30 and 40% coupons http://www.dealtaker.com/Ann-Taylor-Loft-Black-Friday-Cyber-Monday-2008-Coupons-t192684.html
The Icing: 20% off 1 Item Coupon http://www.shopgreatlakescrossing.com/IM/storedetail.html?store=Z706 ; if you spend 20$ you can choose earbuds for 7$, digital camera for 10 or flashdrive for 10.
Jo-Ann’s Fabrics: 50% off 1 item and 20% off your entire order coupons from the flyer
Lindt Chocolates: Buy 25$, get 25 truffles free
Bed, Bath & Beyond: 20% off your entire purchase 6-10 AM only. A good way to stack those million 20% off 1 item coupons you have sitting around!
CVS: And check out MoneySavingMom’s post on the amazing CVS deals for Thanksgiving & Black Friday…and check your inboxes for a 5$/30$ coupon!
just wanted to let you know about a great online store – offering clothing for both men and women!
they are doing 40% off ALL items on Black Friday
Use Promo Code: blkfri40 for 40% off
shopmoderne.com