November 21st, 2011 
If you’re anything like me, Thanksgiving is synonymous with Black Friday. After slaving away in the kitchen and breaking bread with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day, there’s nothing like a little frenzied shopping on Black Friday, the mother of all shopping days, to put me in the holiday spirit. This year’s Black Friday experience shouldn’t disappoint since I got a Smartphone over the summer and am excited to see how it enhances my shopping experience. I’ll be in good company because according to Gartner Research, Smartphone sales are expected to grow from 67 million in 2010 to 95 million in 2011.
Photo Credit: www.cnbc.com
Thanks to a handful of apps, I should be able to save money on my purchases as well as shop more efficiently. And as a mom of four year old twins, I can use all the help I can get!
If you’re avoiding the crowds this Friday, chances are you’ll be using the Amazon or Google shopper apps. If you’ll be braving the crowds like me, here are my favorite 10 free apps to help you shop smarter on Black Friday.
I usually spend a great deal of time pouring over retailer advertisements online and in the newspaper, which can be exhausting. TGI Black Friday does all of this for you! This app compiles all of the ads – even before the circulars come out. It also allows you to search for deals by store and category.
Available for the iPhone and Android.
2. CardStar
Before you leave for your shopping adventure, be sure to download CardStar. This app manages a digital version of all of your shoppers’ loyalty, rewards and membership cards all in one place. Simply show your phone at check out and the cashier will scan the code. This app will even store your library card number, too. No need to go digging through your purse or diaper bag in the checkout line looking for your key ring which likely holds your cards!
Available for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry.
3. RedLaser
RedLaser App (Photo Credit: redlaser.com)
So, you’ve found the item you’re looking for, but you’re notsure if you are getting the best price. Problem solved! Download the RedLaser app and you’ll be able to scan the barcode of the item to search if other retailers are offering a better price. If you find a better deal elsewhere, try asking the salesperson to match the price you found online and it might save you a trip to another store! Now that’s convenient!
Available for the iPhone and Android.
Put those scissors away because your days of clipping coupons are over with Coupon Sherpa. This app gives users the convenience of finding coupons on the go. Simply find the coupon you are interested in, have the cashier scan it and viola! You’ve just saved money without having to trudge back to the car because you forgot your coupon book. Again.
Available for the iPhone and Android.
5. Gift List Manager
Gift-giving has never been easier than with the Gift List Manager app. Plan, track and organize your spending for everyone on your shopping list. This app’s usefulness extends beyond Hanukah and Christmas as you can use it for birthdays and events all year long. Other features include organizing people into groups, accessing cumulative totals and seeing what you’ve already purchased and what you still need to get. Upgrade to the free “pro” edition for additional features such as entering an item simply by
scanning the barcode.
Available for Android.
6. Shop Kick
The Shop Kick App (Photo Credit: www.shopkick.com)
Friends of mine swear by this app so I had to check it out for Black Friday. Shop Kick is an app that rewards you for shopping even if you don’t spend a dime. Every time you walk into a participating retailer and open the app at the entrance, a device within the store will register with your app and reward you with points, or “kicks.” Later, you can redeem your kicks for gift cards, restaurant vouchers, movie tickets and more! Hundreds of the nation’s top retailers and malls such as Best Buy, Target, Macy’s and Crate and Barrel are participating.
Available for the iPhone and Android.
7. Snap Tell
We’ve probably all purchased a gift or two we wish we hadn’t– that toy for your kid that broke within 10 minutes of playing with it, or the book that was just a little too advanced for your niece. The SnapTell app will help alleviate those problems. Snap a photo of the cover of any book, CD, DVD or video game and it will bring up reviews and ratings from past customers who already own the item. The ability to check the reviews of items while you are in the store is sure to save busy moms’ time, money and aggravation.
Available for the iPhone and Android.
8. Fastmall
This is a must –have app for all parents who visit the mall with their children because more often than not, we want to get in, get what we need and get out before the next meltdown. And, if you’re like me and get easily distracted by crowds and whiny kids, this app gives you walking directions to your favorite stores in your local mall without needing an internet connection or GPS. Using a stroller or a wheelchair? No problem. Select the “elevators only” feature and FastMall will help you get to where you need to be. If you shake your phone, the app will even find the nearest restroom.
Available for Android and coming soon to iPhone.
9. Lemon – Receipts Refreshed
The Lemon app is a fantastic way to organize your shopping receipts in one convenient place. Simply scan your paper receipts and the app will turn it into an image that is taggable and searchable. No more hunting through boxes of receipts to return a gift! Organize your gift giving even more by using Lemon to track your spending.
This application only runs on a phone with a camera that uses autofocus.
Available for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry.
10. Christmas Tree Maker
Alright, so the Christmas Tree Maker app isn’t going to get you any inside information about Black Friday sales and coupons, but it may just keep you preoccupied while standing in line in the wee hours of the morning. Decorate your virtual tree with a plethora of lights, ornaments and garland. This app is sure to delight any children you might be toting along with you on the big day. And, let’s face it– a festive break from Angry Birds might do all of us some good!
Available for the iPhone and Android.
Happy shopping!
What fantastic app information! This will definitely help me shop more efficiently on Black Friday. Now I’m actually looking forward to the frenzy this year! Thanks Melissa and happy shopping!
Wow, you really know your way around those apps. Thank you for all the hints and where to find the good deals!