Turkey Hill Offers Black Friday Shopping Tips

LANCASTER, Pa. — It may be a holiday weekend, but Black Friday shoppers should do their homework before hitting the stores, according to one convenience store retailer.

Black Friday sales this year are expected to tick up 4 percent over 2013, the National Retail Federation reported. This figure is more than 40 percent higher than the average annual holiday spending growth over the past 10 years. At the same time, according to Turkey Hill Minit Markets, consumers are expected to remain price sensitive.

With that in mind, the Lancaster-based retailer has assembled a few tips for the savvy Black Friday shopper:

• Start with a list. Write down everyone you're shopping for and your preliminary gift ideas. This will focus your bargain-hunting efforts and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Take advantage of all the information available in advance. Some Black Friday deals have gone public since just after Halloween, and you have plenty of help finding them from websites that specialize in posting copies of retailers' ads and flyers.
• Check local merchants, too. You'll see plenty of deals advertised by major national chains. But don't forget your local newspapers, coupon magazines, apps and websites to help you find bargains at neighborhood businesses.
• Combine savings opportunities. You may be able to increase your savings with coupons for items already on sale. Loyalty programs can also help.

"We have plenty of Black Friday deals of our own on products from ice cream to smartphones and tablets — not to mention a free cup of coffee, fountain drink or Slushey to keep you energized and refreshed while you shop," said Kim Hertzog, public relations manager for Turkey Hill Minit Markets.

The retailer's c-stores will be offering deals from 10 p.m. Thursday to midnight Friday. The deals will vary by stores in Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio, according to its website.

Shoppers in all three states will earn extra points when they present a Turkey Hill Rewards card when they purchase gift cards.

Turkey Hill Minit Markets has more than 260 stores in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and the Columbus, Ohio area.