Black Friday: Here's our survival guide

If you're a savvy shopper, you're likely prepping now for that sale of sales, that holy grail of doorbusters, that day of retail infamy: Black Friday.

Yes, it's that time of year again when shoppers would shove you aside for a $3 toaster or a $400 high-definition TV.

But the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season isn't on the Friday after Thanksgiving any more. BF-type promotions have been going on all month at Sears, Kohl's, JCPenney and other retailers eager to boost their bottom line.

Even Thanksgiving Day has taken on new meaning in recent years as many people forego dessert to get in line for midnight doorbusters at the outlet malls. This year, however, Premium Outlets in Aurora and Huntley will open many stores as early as 9 p.m. on Thursday, blurring the line on when Black Friday really starts and blurring the eyes of power shoppers who then likely will move on to other malls opening at 4 a.m. Friday.

Even Toys R Us is pulling an all-nighter, opening at 10 p.m. Thursday with doorbusters that continue until Friday at 1 p.m., that is, if anything's left by then.

With luck, you'll be back on your feet by Cyber Monday, when the Internet crowd can take down a network in seconds in pursuit of other hot buys.

“This year, the stores have been pushing up the ante with more sales earlier, or saying every day is Black Friday,” said Peter Gill, spokesman for Chicago-based Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

Still, that won't stop the die-hard Black Friday shoppers from storming the doors almost as soon as Thanksgiving leftovers are in the fridge.

The National Retail Federation estimated 79 million shoppers nationwide were in the aisles on Black Friday in 2009. About one-third of them were there by 5 a.m. More shoppers are likely this year, considering a tight economy and more promotions driving the desire to get a good deal. Gill said.

Electronics, DVDs, HDTVs and clothing are expected to be popular again, he said.

So, if you're among those rising way before dawn, here are some survival tips from the association:

• Have a Plan A and a Plan B. Have a list handy. Get in the store, get your item and get out. If the store ran out of what you want, know where you can find it elsewhere.

• Look for sales in all the newspapers and online. Compare prices before you go.

• Know the rules. Each store may expect shoppers to line up, take a number or follow other security rules to keep everyone safe, happy and vertical.

• Take the newspaper ad or computer printout with you. Show the ad to the harried clerk, who can quickly point you in the right direction.

• Know the return policy. It may differ from other sales, or from store to store.

• Know where your purse and wallet are at all times. Criminals love distracted shoppers and you may suddenly find yourself without cash or credit cards to get your prized gift.

Here's advice from other experts:

• Don't spend more than your means. Don't think discounted items are such a great deal that you land in a big pile of debt.

• Go with a partner or in a team. Have someone get in the checkout line while others retrieve products off the shelves.

• Download and use any number of apps, including Black Friday from Dealnews or Black Flyday from Iconosys Inc. They can keep you up to date on deals or help you keep up with partners in other stores.

• Embrace frugality. Use coupons and compare prices. Don't be afraid to ask if a substitute product is available if the sale item is sold out.

• Make sure your mobile phone or other device is well charged in case you need to quickly call another store or a shopping partner at another location.

• Get lots of rest beforehand, wear comfortable shoes and layer clothing as needed. Also stay well nourished and hydrated, especially if you have a chronic disease, such as diabetes.

• If all else fails, use shoulder pads.