Howdy Folks and Happy Holidays! Ranger Roy here to tell you about something I look forward to every November: Black Friday shopping at the Gilroy Outlets! This year I’m especially excited because I know where to get a $25 gift card for the Gilroy Outlets (I’ll share that secret shortly).

Did you know that Gilroy, CA is a major shopping destination with over $2 billion in retail sales each year? Shopping in Gilroy must be one of America’s favorite pastimes by now–probably right up there with baseball.

I remember last Black Friday when the junior rangers and I loaded up in the Best Western PLUS Forest Park Inn van right after Thanksgiving dinner. It used to be Black Friday shopping started in the wee hours on Friday morning. Last year it was really early! The shopping frenzy started at midnight.

We wanted to get going as soon as Thanksgiving dinner was over so we could get in on the really good deals–the Black Friday door buster deals. These are some of the best Black Friday deals around, but you have to be one of the first in line because they’re usually available in a limited supply.

We packed up all kinds of things to take with us including lawn chairs, drinks, and snacks. It was going to be a long wait and we had to keep our energy up. I didn’t want my junior rangers getting tuckered out.

So now for Black Friday 2012, I thought I’d share some helpful tips on how to make it the best shopping adventure you’ve ever had!

Where to find Black Friday deals in Gilroy

  • Look on company websites.
  • Watch for local mail circulars. These will usually come out a week or so before Thanksgiving.
  • Check the local ads in the Gilroy Dispatch or Morgan Hill Times
  • Sign up for retailers social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook
  • Check individual store websites for additional VIP savings and coupons.
  • Ask Jasmina at the Gilroy Best Western PLUS Forest Park Inn front desk (She always knows where the best bargains are).

I promised to share how to get a $25 gift card to the Gilroy Outlets- here are the details:

Book a room directly with the Best Western PLUS Forest Park Inn, 375 Leavesly Road, Gilroy, CA 95020 by calling 408-848-5144 and tell them Ranger Roy sent you. Book during the month of November 2012 and get our Black Friday Special rates, a $25 gift card to the Gilory Outlets, and more-

– $124.99 for a standard king room – or 2 queen bed room

– $25 gift card to Gilroy Outlets

– Shopping bag with coupons, snacks and water.

Well folks I hope to see each of you out shopping and having a grand time this holiday season. Until next time friends, happy travels, and eat lots of garlic!

Written by Laura Wrede, Gilroy freelance writer and photographer