Today is Black Friday: one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Last year, Americans spent ~$5 billion in only 24 hours. Stores across the country have extended hours and crazy sales today – like Target, who opened their doors at 7 a.m., or Best Buy, who has iPad minis on sale for $249.99.

Here are a few quick facts about Black Friday:

🛍️ According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are expected to spend about $61 billion over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend.

🛍️ Men are expected to spend nearly double that of women, budgeting an average $626.44 compared with $342.50 for women.

🛍️ Of the generations, Gen X plans to spend $592.83 on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s higher than the average $560.17 Gen Y says they’ll spend in 2018 and more than double the $247.92 reported by baby boomers.

🛍️ Retail sales in November have increased by $94.39 billion compared to a decade ago. ($453.5 billion was spent in November 2017 + $341.1 billion in November 2007.)

...But today isn’t just for the mall rats. The Friday following Thanksgiving is also coined “#OptOutside Day” by outdoor adventure retailer REI. Four years ago, the store pledged to keep their doors closed on Black Friday to fight consumerism, and instead encouraged people to go do something outside – a.k.a. #OptOutside.

Whether you want to get in line at Best Buy at 3 a.m. or hit the Palmetto Trail after Thanksgiving leftovers (or both), we’ve got your guide. Here’s how to #OptInside or #OptOutside around Columbia and beyond. ⬇

#OptInside

Figuring out where to get the best deals can be challenging (especially in the wee hours of the morning). This shopping cheat sheet shows which products to track + which to ignore. 👀

How to elevate your Black Friday Plans:

💳 Rise early. According to Google’s data, traffic tends to be heaviest in the afternoon.

💳 Follow your budget. Make a list and stick to it. Opt for cash, leaving your credit cards at home.

💳 Be a tech genius. Download the Black Friday app by Zazzle to get real-time news about leaked ads, discounted products, and access to the best coupons.

💳 Don’t wear the color red to Target. (No explanation needed.)

Some of the most popular things going for cheap today are TVs, smartphones, video game consoles + home appliances. Not everything is going to be a steal, though. You should wait to buy toys, Christmas decorations + outdoor essentials.

And did you know that tomorrow, Nov. 24 is Small Business Saturday? If you’re shopping at big box retailers or choosing to #OptOutside today, save the date for tomorrow to do the rest of your holiday shopping at local shops.

Here are a couple of must-visit small businesses in Five Points and what they’re doing for Small Business Saturday: ⬇

2G's Clothing | 25% off fall merchandise + 50% off jewelry
Gentleman's Closet | 50% off pants + sports coats + shoes
Loose Lucy's Columbia | 20% off all regularly-priced items + additional 10% off clearance ft. complimentary wine from 4-6 p.m.
The OOPS! Co. | Free Yeti Mug with any purchase over $100
Vestique Columbia | $25 gift card with $100 in-store purchase
Wildflower Boutique | 30% off storewide
Pawleys Front Porch | 25% off food with a Five Points retail receipt dated 11.24.18
Yesterdays Restaurant & Tavern | 20% off food with a Five Points retail receipt dated 11.24.18

See all participating Five Points merchants’ deals here.

#OptOutside

REI’s #OptOutside campaign isn’t just about Black Friday – they want people to spend more time outside all year long. But today’s a good day to start. (And being outside has serious health benefits, like reducing stress, lowering your blood pressure + helping you focus. All important things for the holidays.)

If Columbia is what you need a breath of fresh air from, hit the road toward one of these 30 outdoor adventures in the Carolinas. Or go on a #RoadTrip to Asheville, Camden, Charleston, Charlotte or Greenville.

If you want to stay in Columbia, there’s still plenty of outdoor adventure to be had. Check out these guides:

10 trails to peak your interest

48-hour guide to Columbia

20 best patios + porches in Cola

5 running trails you’ve got to try

5 pawesome places to drink with your dog

We’re also lucky enough to have local, state + national parks right here in Columbia. You can visit Sesquicentennial State Park, Congaree National Park, Saluda Shoals or Harbison State Forest for a full day of fresh air activities, like walking trails, kayaking, bird watching, hammocking + exploring.

Or stay close to home and visit your neighborhood park (looking at you Heathwood Park, Finlay Park + Earlewood Park). We like posting up with a good book + our Eno by Riverfront Park.

How are you spending your day? Let us know where you manage to find the best deals or tag #COLAtoday in your outdoor adventure Instagrams.

For all you introverts, remember, there’s always Cyber Monday.

–Sam + the COLAtoday team