So many people head out on Black Friday armed with little more than their wallet and a cup of coffee.

That’s a big mistake, according to retailers who are now in the final stages of preparation for the big event this Friday. It’s the fifth year that the Island’s shops will open before daylight, offering huge discounts as part of the tradition that partners the US Thanksgiving holiday.

The people who end up crossing everything off their shopping list aren’t necessarily those who get to the stores first, retailers told Lifestyle.

What’s most important is that shoppers come with “a good game plan”, said George Grundmuller, CEO of the Phoenix Group of Stores.

“I think that has to be the number one priority,” he said. “A good strategy is to get there an hour before opening time, but it normally only takes us half an hour to let everybody in.

“So sure, you should get up early but it’s important that you look around the store [in advance] so you know where the things you want are located, so you don’t have to run around to find them. It’s extremely busy [on Black Friday]. There are tons of people in the store.”

Serious shoppers should also read The Royal Gazette to get a heads-up on deals, said Mr Grundmuller.

“Study the offerings in the paper. All the stores come up with specials and typically get them in the paper the day before — that’s where you find the doorbusters.”

Paula Clarke, CEO of Gibbons Company, agreed the move was key.

“It’s very important,” she said. “You will get a lot of information about what’s available. They give a lot of detail. They give all the savings. You can do price comparisons. The value is tremendous.”

Mr Grundmuller advised that shoppers prioritise their lists to ensure they got the things they considered most important.

“Look for last-minute flyers [advertising sales] on the day,” he added. “We start working on Black Friday in July and have found items since then [which we] publicise when you enter the store.”

Gibbons Company is already offering Black Friday sales in its home store.

“It is a kick-off of holiday shopping,” said Ms Clarke. “It has become a huge part of people preparing for the holiday season.

So if you want to beat the crowd it’s better to shop early. It’s so much easier.”

She advised Black Friday shoppers to get to their favourite stores “as soon as possible”.

“We open our doors at 5am. You should be here then,” she said.

There’s no need to get up early and stand in a queue at CellOne for special deals, said Joel Ferrier. The company will have extended hours, from 8am to 8pm, the marketing director said.

“We’re launching Black Friday [today] and will have great deals all week. Shoppers should make sure and check The Royal Gazette for daily updates as well as our Facebook page and promotions page at CellOne.bm.

“You’re not going to get better deals [anywhere]. We’re offering very attractive rates.”