Black Friday in Bellevue: Here are the Tips and Deals

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.  Up to 152 million shoppers are expected to visit stores and websites during Black Friday Weekend, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Last year some 212 million shoppers spent about $45 billion over the four days, according the NRF. Target is opening at midnight this year, last year the retailer opened at 4 a.m.

Writing in Forbes, Lydia Dishmah provides an overview of "apps designed to help consumers shop smarter, faster and cheaper."  Shopkick, for example, enables shoppers to earn reward points just by opening the app in the entrance area of participating stores. Target is one local retailer taking part.

There's an official Black Friday website, TheBlackFriday.com, featuring Black Friday ads, sales information, and shopping tips.  Included in their tips:

• Decide what you want in advance, because you won't be able to cover all stores.
• Give preference to the big ticket items, because on these you'll save more.
• Buy only what you need so you don't end up paying a restocking fee.
• Avoid traffic congestion by parking away from the store and walking. 

Here is a sampling of Black Friday openings and deals:

Old Navy is open on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for those who really want a jump on holiday shopping, according to the Old Navy website. The stores will be open at midnight for Black Friday. Old Navy in Bellevue is at and the (known as Factoria Mall).

in Bellevue will screen “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” for customers waiting in line Thanksgiving night for the store's midnight opening. The movie will begin playing at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving. (Editor: Best Buy has just contacted Bellevue Patch to say that the movie has been canceled for logistical reasons, though refreshments still will be provided.)

Some stores at the (which includes Bellevue Square) also are opening at midnight:, Aeropostale, , , DOMINO, , , Finish Line, , , , , , , , Pac Sun. The rest of the mall is open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. On Friday in downtown, you also can go ice skating or enjoy a street parade at 7 p.m. along Bellevue Way and Northeast 8th Street, as the .

located at the is opening at midnight this year, last year the retailer opened at 4 a.m. on Black Friday.

(at the Market Place at Factoria) is offering a 15 percent coupon for any purchase from now until Nov. 30. Click here to print out that coupon.

At (in Redmond) take an extra 15 percent off your entire purchase with promo code GOBBLE15 at checkout on any online purchase from Tuesday, Nov 22 to Sunday, Nov 27.

in Crossroads Bellevue is offering 15 percent off of your entire purchase through Nov. 30 with this coupon. 

will give you 40 percent off of jackets and vests at the store, use this one.

 will give you 50 percent off of any kids or baby item when you sign up for their coupon here. It appears to be a limited number of coupons rather than a free for all print for everyone so be sure to print it soon. 

 is offering a V.I.P shopping bag filled with 11 exclusive products over a $100 value. To sign up for Black Friday e-mail alerts before the big day, click here. There are and .

Staples’ ‘early bird sale,’ which kicks off at 6 a.m. on Nov. 25 and runs through noon. While the early bird sale offers extra-special deals, the sale will continue through Saturday, Nov. 26. The office supply store’s circular advertises deals on electronics and home office supplies.

Not interested in competing with the crush of holiday shoppers at big, national chain stores? Instead of hitting the big chain stores, you can shop at your favorite local retailers on Saturday, Nov. 26 for .

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Jenny Manning, editor of Renton Patch, and Venice Buhain, editor of Bellevue Patch, contributed to this story.