For some, Thanksgiving is best served with a generous side of consumerism: Black Friday.
While many participating stores now offer their deals online and even on Thanksgiving, the event still has the power to rouse the most tryptophan-riddled individuals from their slumber in the wee hours of Friday morning.
Since the crowds can be so massive and the deals so widespread, city style experts recommend planning ahead — and making a list.
"There's nothing worse than waking up early, standing in line and then giving someone a gift they don't want or need," stylist Katie Quinn said.
On the day of, she also recommends shopping with another person. "It cuts your shopping time in half," Quinn said.
Experts also recommend dressing smartly. Women should "wear a dress or something that is easy to take on and off," stylist Elena Sanchi-Ormrod said.
Likewise, she recommends that female shoppers "wear a tank top under a dress, so when you try on bottoms you already have a top."
Stylist Joan Kaufman says to dress warmly, as congested streets mean spending more time in the cold than you might anticipate.
If you want to partake in Black Friday, we've rounded up some city shops — from national retailers to small boutiques — to hit up:
► Aritzia, various locations
"I think they have some really great contemporary clothing for twenty- and thirty-somethings," Quinn said. "It's a brand I don't think gets enough street cred."
On Black Friday, visitors can expect markdowns on fall, winter and holiday merchandise.
► Brooklyn Industries, various locations
All outerwear, sweaters and sweatshirts will be marked down at this Brooklyn-based retailer.
► Uniqlo, various locations
The clothing basics hotspot has "a lot of really good stuff," stylist Joan Kaufman said, and will offer markdowns on winter items such as parkas and sweaters.
► Kit and Ace, various locations
Quinn says that this new shop is popular with her male clients. "They're doing some really cool apparel, kind of like hi-tech clothing which the men I work with adore," Quinn said.
The retailer will offer discounts on select clothing, including their first-run "beta" garments.
► J. Crew, various locations
That the retailer is "selling a million products that people actually use" makes the preppy-chic shop a must visit on Black Friday, Quinn said. This Black Friday, expect markdowns of at least 30 percent.
► H&M, various locations
Online and in-store Black Friday deals began on Nov. 17, and last through Nov. 26. New items are added to the Black Friday sale each day, with discounts of 60 percent.
► Gap, various locations
Experts praise the store for offering high-quality yet affordable wardrobe staples, which will be marked down for Black Friday shoppers.
► Target, various locations
Virtually all items in the store will be marked down on Black Friday, which begins at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Visitors will see discounts of up to 40 percent on all apparel and accessories, the lowest selling prices on all TVs, and doorbuster deals on select items.
► P.C. Richard & Son, various locations
This Black Friday, patrons of the 106-year-old electronics and appliance store will pay what employees pay on all appliances.
► Macy's, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown
While Quinn says that the department store's efficiency can make for a crowded and therefore less enjoyable shopping experience, their "welcoming return policies negate a shopping hangover."
At 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the national retailer opens its doors for over 400 doorbuster deals on everything from jewelry to coats and boots. The doorbuster deals will last until 1 p.m. on Friday, and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
► Lord & Taylor, 424 Fifth Ave., Midtown
Doors will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, and patrons can save on things like dresses (35 percent off), boots (50 percent off) and their sanity, as this spot likely won't be as crowded as Macy's.
