When Black Friday rolls around, even the most dedicated deal-hunters can find themselves intimidated by the hordes of shoppers lined up to save a few (or okay, many, many) bucks. But, nonetheless, by Friday, some of us will have been cooped up with our families long enough that the good cheer starts to wear off, along with the food coma — which means it's time to get out of the house.
Conveniently, area boutiques have lined up some deals that are totally worth planning your escape around, without any risk of being trampled. With our handy-dandy guide, you should be able to knock out all your holiday shopping, while saving enough dough to pick up something for yourself, too — and burning off some calories from that big meal (which is far less likely to happen if you're just clicking around on Cyber Monday).
H&M
Even fast fashion usually costs more than $5 — but not at H&M's mega Black Friday sale. Lots of items in every local store will be marked down to just $5 or $10, and there will be plenty of other discounts, too. Freestanding stores (such as the Metro Center and Silver Spring locations) will open at midnight on Thursday, and the first 100 customers in line will get scratch-off cards that could be worth up to $300 in prizes.
AllSaints
While Black Friday may not have taken off in the UK quite yet, British retailer AllSaints is happy to cash in on the trend in its stateside shops — expect a 20% discount on select full-priced items.
Where: 3235 M Street NW; 202-595-9828
Nicole Miller
Shoppers can expect discounts of up to 50% off select fall merchandise from Nicole Miller's eponymous line, gifts with purchase while supplies last, and special "White Friday" incentives for the bridal collection. The store will also host a preview of the spring '13 bridal line.
Where: 1808 International Drive, McLean; 703-821-1630
Rugby Ralph Lauren
Everything carried by this purveyor of prep will be discounted: 30% off full-priced merchandise, plus an additional 50% off already marked-down sale items.
Where: 1065 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-298-5928
Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets
If you're willing to hit the roads before Thanksgiving Day is even over, select shops at this outlet mall will be opening as early as 9 p.m. on Thursday to start the Black Friday madness. Those willing to take on the challenge will be rewarded with deals that vary by store; in the past, we've seen 40% discounts at outlet shops like Kate Spade, J.Crew, Barney's, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Ann Taylor, and Tumi.
Where: 241 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg; 703-737-3071
Ginger Root Design
Check out Ginger Root for a 20% discount that applies to The Backroom, an exciting mix of vendors that includes Jennifer Jeremias Vintage. With the purchase of one locally made gift, receive 20% off your second item.
Where: 1530 U Street NW; 202-567-7668
Violet Boutique
Stop by Adams Morgan boutique Violet for festive holiday drinks and a 10% discount on your entire purchase. Receive a free gift when you spend $50 or more.
Where: 2439 18th Street NW; 202-621-9225
Urban Chic
Urban Chic's Georgetown location will open up early, offering a progressive discount on clothing items. The first five customers in the door at 9 a.m. will get a 35% discount, plus a free gift. From 9 to 10 a.m., everyone will get 30% off; from 10 to 11 a.m., take 25% off; from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the discount is 20%.
Where: 1626 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-338-5398
Hu's Shoes & Hu's Wear
The Georgetown sister boutiques are keeping the deals simple, but good: 30% to 50% off selected items.
Where: Hu's Shoes, 3005 M Street NW, 202-342-0202; Hu's Wear, 2906 M Street NW, 202-342-2020.
Periwinkle
This trio of suburban shops starts off Friday with 40% off all clothing (including an additional 40% off anything already on sale) and 25% off accessories. Procrastinators can get 30% off clothes and 25% off accessories on Saturday and Sunday, too.
Where: 1557 Potomac Greens Drive, Alexandria; 703-519-5242. Additional locations at Shirlington and National Harbor; see addresses here.
Current Boutique
This local chain of high-end consignment shops wants to help you clean out your closet (and restock it, natch) on Black Friday. Everything in all four area shops will be 20% off, and customers are encouraged to bring in items from their own closets to consign.
Where: 7220 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda; 301-222-1114. Additional locations in Arlington, Alexandria, and Logan Circle; see addresses here.
Old Town Alexandria Boutique District
A group of Old Town neighbors including Bellacara, Zoe Boutique, The Shoe Hive, and Bloomers have collaborated to offer the same discounts and extended hours: 30% from 6 to 8 a.m.; 20% off from 8 to 10 a.m.; and 10% off until close. Visit Shop Local Alexandria's Black Friday listings for all the details.
Style Etoile
Be a savings star at this shop, which is offering up to 75% off select items in store and 25% off purchases made on the e-commerce site.
Where: 1701 Rockville Pike, Suite B-9, Rockville; 301-770-4218
Wink
For every $250 spent at Wink, you'll earn a $25 discount to be applied to your next purchase (and they'll let you make that next purchase same-day if you just can't wait to come back).
Where: 3109 M Street NW; 202-338-9465
M29 Lifestyle
Stop by M29 to take care of a variety of gift-shopping needs with elegant, eco-friendly products from around the world. The shop is offering a Black Friday discount of up to 70% off selected items.
Where: 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; 202-342-0444
Photos: Courtesy of Current Boutique, M29 Lifestyle