Huntley's Coupon Queen Talks Black Friday Deals

Looking for the lowdown on the best Black Friday deals?

Huntley’s own coupon queen Jill Cataldo shares what's new this holiday shopping season and offers useful tips for those wanting - and willing- to brave the crowds in search of a great deal.

As founder of Super-Couponing workshops and author of the nationally-syndicated newspaper column, “Coupon Queen,” delivered to more than 20 million people each week, Cataldo makes her living by knowing how to save big and find great deals.

“I think this year one thing new we’re seeing is stores promoting Black Midnight,” said Cataldo, who is leaving this week for a national media tour to talk about couponing and holiday savings.

Instead of opening at 5 or 6 a.m., many big retailers like Wal-mart, Target and Best Buy are opening their doors at 12 a.m. Friday. Some store chains are even advertising on-line specials for Thanksgiving Day, she said.

Cataldo suggests consumers do a little research before running out into the night.

“Before you‘re out chasing deals, make sure the item you’re chasing is something you really want,” Cataldo said. “There may be a great deal on a TV, but it may be stripped down with fewer features while the TV with the features you really want may just be $30 more.”

Where Cataldo Shops on Black Friday

So where does the coupon queen typically shop on Black Friday?

Surprisingly, Cataldo says she picks up some of her best deals at local pharmacy stores, such as Walgreens or CVS, and at office supply stores. Computer media sold at office supply stores — such as anti-viral software, CDRs and laptop cases — are usually very cheap right now, she said.

“We can go in and pick up enough supplies that we’re good for the next year,” Cataldo said.

Walgreens is a great place to buy DVD movies for $2.99, and CVS has an ongoing promotion through Dec. 31, where shoppers get a free $10 gift card if they spend $30 on specially marked items. Savy holiday shoppers can collect those $10 cards, turn around and purchase gift cards – all sold at CVS – good for restaurant chains or other stores, she said.

“I get some of my best deals at pharmacies," Cataldo said. "It’s easier, and the stores are not as crowded. And you can get some great little things for stocking stuffers.”

The stay-at-home Huntley mother of three also warns holiday shoppers that some Black Friday price-busting deals are tied to stores that have limited supplies. A laptop marked for $200 is a great, but not necessarily worth the headache of fighting a mass of aggressive shoppers if the store only has three in stock, she said.

“I tend to stay focused on the smaller items on Black Friday because there typically are more of them in stock,” Cataldo said. “And if those items are online, save yourself the headache and order them from home.”

Cyber Shopping

One great feature of Internet shopping, Cataldo points out, is that consumers can buy a laptop or television online and ship it “site to store” at Black Friday prices. Once ordered, shoppers can then pick up their purchase at the store later in the afternoon when crowds have died down.

The coupon queen also hints that holiday shoppers should pay attention to what retailers come up with for Thanksgiving Day. While usually the day of rest and eating, this Thanksgiving may find shoppers feasting on incredible online savings promotions.

“With the economy being so sluggish, we may see stores offering price savings online on Thanksgiving Day,” Cataldo said. “Retailers know people will probably be home, and have time to go online.”

For more holiday and every day savings tips, log onto Cataldo's website, www.supercouponing.com. Cataldo’s blog every Monday shares grocery savings for all the major supermarket stores. She continually highlights retail promotions and coupon deals.