Using the store opening times as a guide, we plot which stores we need to hit first. We will often use a divide- and-conquer approach, planning to send one team to Kohl's, for instance, and another to Target. We also make sure our cell phones are well-charged, because changes often need to be made in an instant once we're in a store.
With retailers opening earlier and earlier we certainly are getting less and less sleep. Usually we're out the door between 3 and 3:30 a.m., and shop for 12-14 hours straight. Luckily, I live closest to our shopping district here in Billings, and so we generally are able to off-load our purchases 3-4 times during the day.
Ultimate score: I'd have to give that one to my niece. She got a 52" flat screen last year for $700 -- saving almost $400.
NEXT: A spiked Macchiato and hand warmers
