Columnist Muriel Stevens: Surviving post-Turkey Day crunch

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1999 | 9:38 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@vegas.com or 259-4080.

Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year. Don't ask me why, but it's so. If you're planning to join the multitudes who will be shopping on Friday you'd better have a plan (mine is to stay home).

Some mall stores open early. That's a good time to go. If you dally and go from 11 a.m. on, be prepared for elbow-to-elbow crowds, especially in the stores with the most things on sale.

Normal mealtimes are a good time to shop. While shoppers are taking a meal break you can count on finding a salesperson and having any questions answered. Of course, if you shop late you'll miss the early-bird values, but you'll have a more relaxed experience.

If you're in a bad mood this day, do not go shopping. Your mood will only darken when confronted with a mob of folks who are in a like disposition. Most of us have a love-hate relationship with shopping at the best time. Trust me: Shopping the day after Thanksgiving opens the door to plenty of good buys, but it ain't necessarily fun!

Sales are not always on regular merchandise, your best bet. Regular sale tickets show the original price and how much is the markdown. Not so on "special purchase items"; it's not the same as a terrific markdown. Check out the quality on these special deals before making a decision to buy.

It's already too late if you're planning to buy such hot items as Pokemon. If a store has some Pokemon items the crowd will be large and probably unruly. Fulfilling a kid's dream is what most of us want to do. Don't let it turn into a nightmare.

Giving a kid a gift certificate earmarked for the toy they wanted may not be the same as getting it on the big day, but having to wait a few weeks after the holidays until supplies are replenished increases the anticipation.

Don't shop without a list. I can't tell you how many times I've bought two of something because I'd left my list at home. Returning things is even less fun than shopping during major holidays.

Gift certificates are always good gifts. There's no concern about sizes, color or whether or not a gift will fit. One of the nicest thank you notes I've ever received described in detail the gift my friend had bought with her gift certificate. Most stores will gift wrap a gift certificate.

Stay civilized. Resist "mall rage." I've watched as normally well-behaved shoppers elbow and push their ways to counters and practically pull merchandise out of another shopper's hands. Once, at a very posh store in the Fashion Show mall, the manager had to intervene at the handbag counter when it looked like the encounter for the same handbag was going from verbal attack to physical. I've never forgotten that ridiculous scene.

Waiting is part of the holiday shopping experience, so relax. If you're planning to shop on the Internet, use a site you know to be reliable. There are some scams out in cyberspace. Holidays are not the time to use a source you know nothing about. Ask friends who regularly shop this way for recommendations.

Stay safe. If you shop at night, valet park whenever possible. If you're loaded down with packages, ask for assistance. Most stores are happy to help. You may have to wait a few extra minutes, so be patient.

Happy hunting. Wear comfortable shoes, a happy smile, and have fun.