Black Friday is over. Now what?

Ahhh! We did it.

Savvy shoppers everywhere are sighing a collective sigh as the culmination of weeks of planning and anticipation paid off in early morning shopping efforts on Black Friday.

Was it good for you?

Did you get the items you were looking for? Did the long lines, the icy snow, and the sleep deprivation pay off? Were the sales everything that you thought they would be?

Many shoppers say yes, but not just today; all week, all month. Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving has been the day to find the best price on items that top your wishlist. But the Christmas Creep - a term referring to the idea of Christmas sales shifting forward before Thanksgiving-- has given us deep discounts and big sales throughout the month of November.

Many consumers have noticed that some hot items, like HDTVs and cameras for example, could be found at the same low prices before Thanksgiving. And for some of ready to spend, there was no need to stand in line or get up early to snag them. Online availability, sometimes paired with free shipping, made Black Friday sales something to participate in from your bedside laptop in your jammies, and maybe even a day or two before Thanksgiving.

So where does that leave those of us still looking to score a few more bargains? Fear not. There are still plenty more shopping days before the end of the year (including deep after Christmas discounts to watch for).

Cyber Monday - Many online retailers plan their biggest sales for the Monday after Thanksgiving. Check this site for a long list of discount codes for online shoppers.

Local Events - Both downtown Ypsilanti and downtown Ann Arbor have big sales and holiday fun planned for the first weekend of December. Midnight Madness in Ann Arbor is on December 4. Don’t miss the live entertainment and late night sales. Ypsilanti’s Starlight Shopping Spree will be December 4 & 5. Get information about Santa and savings from their facebook page.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com