Black Friday Store Maps Help You Plan Your Shopping

(11ALIVE) -- Shoppers who want to get a jump on the holiday shopping season have more resources than ever to plan their Black Friday excursions.

11Alive, along with its partners at the Gannett News Service, have compiled an assortment of resources for shoppers. By going to 11Alive.com/BlackFriday, shoppers can find the latest Black Friday news, retailer price lists, Twitter Feeds and online deals.

Download and Print Store Maps

Serious shoppers may benefit from the Black Friday store layouts for four major retailers: KMart, Sears, Target and Walmart.

The maps, provided by CheapCheapCheap.com, are unofficial and may vary slightly from store to store. But they may help shoppers trying to get their hands on sale items that are only available in limited quantities.

Black Friday Comes Early Online

Amazon has already started the holiday shopping season with its Black Friday Deals Week special section. The online retailer is offering "Lightning Deals" which are specific items available in limited supply and for a limited time.

RELATED: Amazon's Black Friday Price List Released, 'Deals Week Underway

Find the Best Prices

11Alive, along with its news partners at Gannett News Service, WGRZ-TV and bargain hunter Albert Ko of CheapCheapCheap.com have obtained the Black Friday price lists for several major retailers:

• Ace Hardware
• Amazon.com 
• Babies R Us 
• Best Buy 
• Dell
• Game Stop
• Gander Mountain 
• Home Depot 
• JCPenney
• KMart 
• Kohl's 
• Lowe's 
• MacMall 
• Macy's 
• Office Depot 
• Old Navy 
• Radio Shack 
• Rite Aid 
• Sears 
• Sports Authority 
• Staples
• Target 
• Toys R Us 
• Walgreens 
• Walmart 

Helpful Tips

If you're planning to venture out on Black Friday, here are some helpful tips:

Shop on Budget

During the week leading up to Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, take a few moments to consider how much money you can afford to spend on holiday-related expenses. Once you've decided on a total amount, create a list of people you need to buy gifts for, and other related expenses. Then, most importantly, stick to your budget! Many experts advise consumers to use cash, rather than credit cards, for holiday purchases to avoid financial dilemmas down the road.

Do Your Research

Almost all retailers are offering deals and specials during the holiday shopping season. Use the internet to search out the best deals so you don't spend too much on gifts. Check out 11Alive.com/BlackFriday for retailer price lists and online specials. Here are some other websites to check out:

• 11Alive's Ways to Save
• CheapCheapCheap.com
• BlackFriday.info 

Schedule Your Day

Several shopping malls around metro Atlanta have adjusted their hours to accomodate Black Friday and holiday shoppers.

Use Social Media

Retailers are embracing social media as a means to connect directly with consumers. Many have created Facebook pages and Twitter accounts to let customers know about sales and deals. Some of those deals are exclusive to their Facebook fans and Twitter followers. Search out your favorite retailers on the social networks and start keeping tabs. Social media can really pay off!

Watch Out for Scams

Internet security firm McAfee is warning that the holidays may bring a new rash of online scams targeting consumers.

McAfee has released it's "12 Scams of Christmas" Thursday in an effort to remind consumers of cybercriminals old tricks, and some new ones, too.

Here are the Top 5 scams to keep an eye out for:

1. Charity Phishing Scams - Be Careful Who You Give To
2. Fake Invoices from Delivery Services to Steal Your Money
3. Social Networking - A Cybercriminal "Wants to be Your Friend"
4. The Dangers of Holiday E-Cards
5. "Luxury" Holiday Jewelry Comes at a High Price

It's Better to Give Than Receive

This tip won't directly affect your wallet, but it might save your sanity. Remember to give a little holiday cheer by keeping a positive attitude when you're out at the mall. Common courtesy can go along way. If everybody keeps t his in mind, we'll all make through the holidays happier, healthier and a little more sane.

Do you have some Black Friday or holiday shopping advice? Tell us about it in the comments section below!