The Bin Store: Top 5 Mistakes Augusta Shoppers Make on Black Friday & How to Avoid Them

Columbia Black Friday shoppers crash hardest when they skip budget planning, chase fake deals without price checking, miss early online sales, underestimate traffic chaos, and let flash discounts trigger impulse buys they’ll regret.

But at The Bin Store on Augusta Road in West Columbia, EVERY Friday is Black Friday! While other stores offer deals once a year, we bring you unbeatable Black Friday prices 52 weeks a year on liquidation merchandise from major retailers.

You’ll stay on track by setting spending limits before visiting us, knowing our prices drop daily throughout the week so early-week items cost more than Friday finds, checking our fresh inventory that arrives weekly, arriving any time without parking nightmares or 3 AM lines, and enjoying the treasure-hunt experience where every purchase feels like a steal.

Whether you’re shopping in January, July, or the actual Black Friday in November, you’ll find the same incredible deals.

Serving shoppers across the Midlands including Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, Lexington, Irmo, and near Fort Jackson – perfect for University of South Carolina students looking for dorm essentials, Fort Jackson military families stocking up on household items, and Lake Murray residents from Chapin and Irmo seeking weekend deals.

We’re just off I-26 Exit 111A (Augusta Road), next to Carolina Pottery.

The Bin Store Columbia

2814 Augusta Road

West Columbia, SC 29170

Columbia SC Bin Store | Liquidation Overstock Deals

Key Takeaways

Shopping without a budget or list leads to overspending by $200 or more; create specific shopping lists with maximum prices beforehand.
Verify advertised discounts by price-checking at least three stores using screenshots or tools like CamelCamelCamel before purchasing.
Missing early online deals starting Monday before Black Friday; set price alerts and check websites at midnight for exclusive offers.
Arriving unprepared for Augusta’s traffic chaos; scout parking on Google Maps, arrive by 5:00 AM, and bring comfortable shoes.
Impulse buying from promotional frenzy; use the fifteen-minute rule and ask if you’d buy items at full price.

Shopping Without a Strategic Plan or Budget

When Black Friday arrives, many Augusta shoppers rush into stores like ships without a compass. You’re not alone if you’ve done this! We’ve all felt that pull.

Without budget planning, you’ll overspend by $200 or more. That’s money you need for December bills and holiday gifts for your family.

Unplanned Black Friday spending drains an average of $200 that Augusta families desperately need for December expenses and gifts.

Here’s what works better:

Set your total spending limit before Thursday night
Create shopping lists with specific items and maximum prices
Rank your must-haves from one to ten

Think of it as your treasure map. Would you hunt for gold without directions? Your list keeps you focused when that $399 TV catches your eye. We stick together and shop smarter when we plan ahead! Additionally, be aware of significant discounts on gaming consoles that could lead to impulsive buys if you haven’t set your priorities ahead of time.

Falling for “Deals” Without Price Comparing

How many times have you grabbed a “50% off” sticker only to find it cheaper online? We’ve all been there!

That “doorbuster” TV at $399 might actually sell for $349 at another Augusta store. Price checking takes just thirty seconds with your phone. Download apps like ShopSavvy or scan barcodes right in the aisle.

Smart deal research starts before Black Friday:

Screenshot prices from Target, Walmart, and Best Buy during November
Check price history on CamelCamelCamel for Amazon items
Join local Augusta shopping groups on Facebook

Last year, a “amazing” $89 air fryer was actually $15 cheaper at Costco. We’re treasure hunters who verify before we buy! Compare at least three stores before committing to any big purchase. Understanding market trends can also enhance your decision-making process, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best offers available!

Ignoring Online Options and Early Sales

While everyone’s camping outside stores at 5 AM, smart Augusta shoppers are already checking out from their couches! Online shopping lets you snag the same deals without leaving home.

Here’s what we’re doing differently this year:

Starting early discounts hunts on Monday before Black Friday
Setting price alerts on our favorite stores’ apps
Checking Amazon, Target, and Walmart websites at midnight

Last year, my neighbor Sarah scored a $399 TV online while others waited in freezing lines for the exact same model. She was sipping coffee in pajamas! Many retailers now release their best deals days early for online-only customers. Additionally, this year, consider exploring Amazon Returns Stores for incredible finds at significantly reduced prices.

Smart shoppers skip the chaos and score the same deals online—coffee in hand, pajamas on, victory secured.

Why fight crowds when the treasure’s already in your cart? We’re part of the crew who shops smarter, not harder.

Arriving Unprepared for Augusta’s Traffic and Parking Chaos

Because Augusta’s parking lots turn into absolute mazes on Black Friday, you need a solid game plan before you leave home. We’re talking serious traffic timing here—arriving at 5:00 AM means smooth sailing, but rolling up at 8:00 AM? You’ll circle for 30 minutes minimum.

Smart parking preparation starts the night before. Scout your target stores on Google Maps and identify backup lots within walking distance.

Here’s what works for us Augusta shoppers:

Park at the mall’s outer edges (yes, really!)
Bring comfortable shoes for the extra walk
Download parking apps like SpotHero ahead of time

The treasure’s not worth finding if you can’t even reach the store! Plan your route around Washington Road’s notorious bottlenecks, and you’ll beat half the competition before they’ve left their driveways. Additionally, understanding the potential for liquidation opportunities can provide valuable items to enhance your shopping haul while navigating parking chaos.

Letting the Frenzy Drive Impulse Purchases You’ll Regret

When those “70% OFF” signs start flashing everywhere, our brains basically short-circuit and logic flies out the window. We’ve all been there!

Those flashing discount signs trigger our emotional brain and override rational thinking—it’s a predictable psychological response we all experience.

That $200 air fryer seemed like a steal at $89, but you already own two barely-used kitchen gadgets. Impulse buying hits different during Black Friday chaos.

Here’s how we avoid regretful purchases:

Check your phone for that pre-made list before grabbing anything
Ask yourself: “Would I buy this next Tuesday at full price?”
Wait fifteen minutes before checkout

The frenzy makes everything feel urgent and necessary. It’s not.

That gaming chair marked down from $400 to $150 only saves you money if you actually needed it. Otherwise, you just spent $150 you didn’t plan on spending. Stick to your predetermined budget to maintain financial control during your shopping spree.

Stick to your treasure map, friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Do Most Augusta Stores Open on Black Friday?

Most Augusta stores open between 5 AM and 6 AM on Black Friday. Some start even earlier at midnight! Here’s the thing about store hours: they’re your secret weapon for smart shopping strategies. We recommend calling your favorite spots ahead of time to confirm exact opening times. Best Buy and Target typically open at 5 AM, while Walmart often starts deals at midnight. You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early to snag the best parking spots and position yourself near the entrance.

Are Black Friday Return Policies Different Than Regular Store Policies?

Yes, you’ll find return policy variations at most Augusta stores during Black Friday! Many retailers tighten their usual 30-day windows or exclude doorbusters completely.

We’ve seen holiday season exceptions pop up everywhere. Target extends returns until mid-January for November purchases. Meanwhile, Walmart’s electronics drop from 30 days to just 15 days during Black Friday week.

Always grab that receipt and check each store’s specific holiday policy before you buy!

Which Augusta Shopping Areas Offer the Best Black Friday Deals?

Think of Augusta Plaza as your treasure map’s starting point—it’s where we find the best promotions year after year. You’ll score amazing deals at these shopping centers!

Augusta Mall drops 60-70% off electronics and clothing. Target there opens at 5 PM Thanksgiving with doorbuster TVs at $199.

Riverwatch Village offers stacked discounts up to 50% off at Dick’s and Best Buy.

Augusta Exchange brings surprising finds with 40% off home goods we all need.

Can I Use Manufacturer Coupons on Top of Black Friday Discounts?

You’ll need to check each store’s specific policies since coupon stacking rules vary wildly. Target and Walmart typically let you combine one manufacturer coupon with their Black Friday prices. That’s real savings right there! However, Kohl’s often blocks manufacturer coupons during doorbusters. We’ve learned to call ahead or check store apps the week before. Don’t assume every retailer plays by the same rules. Some stores will surprise you with extra generous stacking policies!

Do Augusta Stores Price Match Online Deals During Black Friday?

Price matching policies get tricky during Black Friday! Most Augusta stores suspend their usual price matching when Black Friday hits. Target and Best Buy typically won’t match online deals on Thanksgiving weekend.

Here’s what we’ve learned works better. Call your favorite store before Thursday to confirm their specific policy. Some managers make exceptions for loyal customers!

Instead of hunting for price matches, we focus on stacking rewards programs with Black Friday sales. That $50 Kohl’s Cash beats price matching every time.

Conclusion

You’ve got the inside scoop now! We understand Black Friday feels overwhelming, but these five strategies will save you serious cash and headaches.

Sure, planning takes extra time upfront. But would you rather spend 30 minutes preparing or waste $200 on impulse buys you’ll return next week?

Smart shoppers win big in Augusta. You’re ready to hunt down real deals while others are still circling the parking lot!