I remember that as a child, we would gather around the table on Thanksgiving and search the sales ads for the best bargains the next day. We always took our shopping very seriously, and we would mark the best deals, and figure out the time we needed to be at each store, based on their opening time. If two stores were opening at the same time, we would split up, and visit different stores so that we could be the first ones at each store, and receive whatever bonus coupons they were handing out at the door. Then as soon as we got in the store, I was expected to separate from my parents and get one item while they found another one. We even went so far as to visit the night before Thanksgiving so that we could see where the items we wanted were going to be, so we could head straight to them. It is no longer necessary to go to such extreme lengths, but it is helpful to not waste your time at stores where there are no bargains to be found. Here are the top ten stores in Lincoln, Nebraska that consistently offer good deals, and are certain to not waste your time. For stores where there is more than one location within the city, check the sale ad or phone book for the location nearest you. For all stores where there is only one location, the address will be provided. Normal store hours are listed, but check your newspaper sale ads for special holiday hours. These are when the best sales typically occur, and they may be limited to certain hours.
Best Buy- Best Buy offers not only some of the best sales on the day after Thanksgiving, but also a wide variety of products. Their stores offer appliances, office furniture, movies, music, games, and electronics. This is one of the first stores you should visit, because if you wait, the best items will be gone. Their Lincoln store is located at 400 N 48th Street. Check the sale ads for the holiday hours, or visit during their normal store hours of 10-10 Monday through Saturday, or 10-8 on Sunday.
Target- Target is a good all-purpose shopping stop. You can find anything from toys to housewares, which makes it an excellent place to finish your holiday shopping list. Visit their stores at 333 N 48th St or 5330 S 56th St. Check their holiday hours in the Thanksgiving Day sales ad.
Home Depot- Home Depot offers not only home improvement items, but also appliances and Christmas decorations. So there are quite a few things available from Home Depot to make mom and dad happy this Christmas. Home Depot is located at 3300 N 27th Street. Check with the store for their opening hours, although this is typically best saved for later in the day.
South Pointe Mall- South Pointe Mall is the best opportunity to get all your shopping done at one store. With many smaller stores in one central location, and smaller lines, it is easier shopping than elsewhere in the city. They are located at 2910 Pine Lake Rd. and their hours are typically 10-9 on Monday through Friday and 12-6 on Sunday. The larger stores may have earlier hours, but expect the smaller ones to be open during their normal hours.
Walmart- Walmart is a standard shopping point for any serious day after Thanksgiving shopper. They offer a wide range of items, have great sales, and better lines than some stores. The best deals they offer the day after Thanksgiving are in electronics and toys. Lincoln has locations at 4700 N 27Th Street and 8700 Andermatt Drive. Expect them to open early, but check the sales ad for the exact time.
Menards- Menards is a good stop for those people on your list who are always doing home improvement. Their sales are typically pretty good, and they offer items other than just home improvement, such as appliances. There are two locations, one at 3500 North 27th Street, and one at 8900 Andermatt Drive. They open at 6:30 most days, although Sundays are 8:00am. Because they typically open so early, do not expect special holiday hours.
ToysRUs- The best part about shopping at ToysRUs is that they offer one-stop-shopping for all your toy needs. The prices can be beat, but not if you have to drive all over town to save a few dollars. Visit their store at 5220 N. 27th Street between 10am and 9pm Monday through Saturday, or 9am to 7pm Sunday, or check the holiday sales ad for their holiday hours.
Linens ‘N Things- Linens ‘N Things offers fantastic deals on housewares and things for your kitchen. This is the best chance to find that new Dyson vacuum for a great price for the special woman in your life. Check their location at 220 N. 66th Street at 9am-9:30pm Monday through Saturday, or 10am to 7pm Sunday. They will likely open a little early, but probably not early compared to some other stores. Check their sales ad for more info.
Michaels- Michael’s offers the best Christmas decorations for inside your home. Although they can be shopped later in the day, make sure not to miss their deals on decorations. Call their store at 3010 Pine Lake Rd. for their store hours and holiday hours.
Office Max- Office Max may seem like an odd choice for holiday shopping, but because they offer some of the best office furniture, you will be able to find a gift for all those people on your list who are getting new computers. They are also a good place to check for computer accessories such as writable DVDs and CDs. They have two stores, which are located at 2301 O St and 3120 Pine Lake Rd. Their store hours vary, so call or check their holiday sales ad for more information.
