Top Spots For Black Friday Shopping Deals

(credit: Thinkstock)

Not everyone knows that Black Friday allegedly began in Philadelphia, but any shopper out in the area the day after Thanksgiving can tell you Philadelphia has some of the best sales. After the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes have been eaten and a week's worth of leftovers refrigerated, the bargain hunters of the region plot their course of shopping at local malls, outlets and boutiques. Sometimes it means standing in line as early as midnight and shopping through the night, but no matter your strategy, it's all about getting the best deals in Philly.

A shopping attraction during any season, the King of Prussia Mall is a bustling hub for Black Friday deal seekers because of its abundance of stores and sales. The eclectic collection of shops offers deals on everything from clothing and cosmetics to electronics and home appliances. Between the department stores and brand name boutiques, everyone will be able to find what they're looking for at King of Prussia Mall -- they just might have to get there at 4 a.m. or earlier, when the mall officially opened last year! Some shops will be open as early as midnight, so keep an eye on the King of Prussia Mall events page to stay on top of Black Friday shopping hours. Check out the list of premier stores and choose whether you want to score deals at the Apple Store, Macy's, DKNY or Betsey Johnson.

While the Philadelphia Premium Outlets are miles away from Philadelphia, these outlets are a worthwhile destination for bargain hunters. They usually open late in the evening on Thanksgiving, with sales and promotions going on throughout the early morning into the daylight hours of Black Friday. Patrons will find specials on kitchen wares, clothing, perfume, accessories, sports apparel and anything else they need to cross off of their Christmas shopping lists. Many stores offer sales of up to 80 percent off retail pricing on recognizable brand names such as Nike, Brooks Brothers, Bass, Under Armour, J. Crew, Juicy Couture, Converse, Coach, Restoration Hardware and "As Seen On TV." The sales frequently continue throughout the weekend after Black Friday, and as an added bonus, count on seeing live entertainment such as last year's Victorian Christmas carolers. Most, if not all, in-store promotions will be available online here before Black Friday.

Related: Top Outlet Shopping Near Philadelphia

To finish your holiday shopping in a day, hitting up the outlets or malls on Black Friday is a safe bet, but for the sport fan in everyone's life, there is no better place to shop than Mitchell & Ness in Center City. The vintage-style jerseys, hats, jackets and other sports memorabilia that you'll find here are sure to please any Phillies, Eagles, Sixers or Flyers fanatic. In previous years, Black Friday specials have included slashing prices on Mitchell & Ness Throwback Jerseys by more than half, down to $100. For those shopping for a fan who isn't a Philadelphia local, Mitchell & Ness also offers garb for fans of other city's teams -- because everybody deserves some sick sports swag in their closet, even if they're rooting for the wrong team!

Bus Stop Boutique
750 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-2357
www.busstopboutique.com

For the past couple of years, Bus Stop Boutique has made Black Friday a great experience for shoppers, running sales all day long and holding some type of event with booze and bites. Bus Stop Boutique specializes in international designer footwear, so this is the store for hard-to-find labels for both men's and women's shoes. Usually, the shop offers a discount between 15 and 20 percent off of a selection, like last year's sale on autumn/winter "black" items. The event is often in the evening after the working folks are free and offers styling tips in a festive shopping atmosphere. Look for details on the Black Friday event and sale on the "Bits & Pieces" section of the Bus Stop Boutique website.

This local boutique packs in all of the charms of Old City and some serious Black Friday deals to boot. The store is open during normal hours, and women will find diverse styles and unique gifts for themselves and others here for as much as 50 percent off. Past specials have taken an extra 40 percent off on clearance, 50 percent off on in-stock Rebecca Minkoff and 20 percent off of accessories. Three Sirens celebrates Black Saturday and Sunday as well, which usually means 40 percent knocked off of in-stock pricing all weekend and even 20 percent off of ordered merchandise.

Related: Black Friday Guide: Unique Deals in the Philadelphia Area

 Head to Philadelphia's Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Lindsay Lewis is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.