Girlfriends: Holiday Shopping Kickoff

ABC7 TV Chicago - November 16, 2007 –

The day after Thanksgiving is the kick off to the holiday shopping season. "It's is not a day when you want to enter a store without a game plan," says Eva Yusa, shopping expert and resident blogger for comparison shopping site ShopLocal.com. Toward that end and to help shoppers make the most of their time and money, ShopLocal.com has shopping deals and survival tips.

Eva's top 10 Hints for Surviving the Malls

1. Large Shopping Tote - Bring a roomy tote so you can consolidate and eliminate extra bags. Less to lug around and less waste!
2. Detailed Shopping List - Be prepared with item styles, product numbers and quantity needed.
3. Day Runner - Keep track of receipts, gift lists, coupons, etc. while you shop and nothing will be lost or forgotten.
4. Cell/Smart Phone - Communicate via cell phone - call ahead to stores to check on items still in stock and double-check addresses.
5. Aspirin and Water bottle - Stay hydrated and tension free.
6. Granola Bar or Energy Bar - Keep hunger pains at bay and energy levels up while you shop.
7. Anti-bacterial lotion - Beat those germs! With so many shopper touching products and shopping carts, keep hand clean between stops.
8. Circular print outs, coupons, etc. - Print out deals and photos so you know exactly what you need and be prepared with coupons.
9. Comfortable shoes- You'll be on your feet for a while. Good shoes will help you spring into action.
10. A light jacket with lots of pockets. Keep everything handy without lugging around a purse and stay cool on a busy day of shopping.