L.A. NIK'S "BLACK FRIDAY"

NICKI MINAJ MOCKERY

Black Friday is a crazy shop-o-thon that I don't understand.  For those of you that endure this day like its an olympic sport.. more power to you.  I do like the name .. I think more Fridays should be black !  For those of you that get me, you'll understand the humor in the photo above; specifically if you're a fan of rap music.  Having graduated from the school of hard knocks with advanced degrees, rock is in my blood; it is my religion. I bow to one God only.  God of Thunder.

I do have some Black Friday advise though !  Being an ambassador of all things "Downtown", I will encourage you to avoid lines at Best Buy for 24 hours plus in the freezing cold.  Stop supporting major malls opening at midnight or even earlier.  Those people can't have a holiday anymore !

In the words of Petula Clark..
Downtown, things will be great when you're
Downtown, don't wait one minute more
Downtown, everything's waiting for you.
Downtown

L.A. NIK'S BLACK FRIDAY TOP 5 !!


1. SKY WAY Walking Downtown Minneapolis

There are miles and miles of indoor walking all through-out downtown.  If you stick to downtown proper in the business district, you never have to leave the 70 degree temperatures of the skyway.  You can view the map of the skyway and even filter the types of businesses you're looking for by visiting Skyway Myway.





























2. HEATED PARKING RAMPS

Man, this goes without saying.  Being from Los Angeles most of my life, I've found every way to not be cold during Minnesota winter time.  This seems like a no-brainer to me.. You could park your car in a massive outside parking lot and stand in lines in the dark for loss-leader deals you could find all year round at www.Tigerdirect.com or www.Amazon.com OR you could park in the heated, protected parking ramps in downtown Minneapolis at a reasonable hour, and guess what ???  They get you right in to the Skyway! Complete comfort.

I heard reports of lines of people standing outside Best Buy in Edina before midnight November 23rd... Its not even Thanksgiving yet !!  Why would you give up your family / friends / or personal time to stand in a line in cold weather from more than 24 hours just to save a few dollars ?!?!  Somethings wrong here - enjoy the culture that truly is Minneapolis and come DOWNTOWN !!  Get some sleep the night before.

Are you in this photo..?

3. NICOLLET MALL.

This brings me to the number 3 reason you should come DOWNTOWN Minneapolis on Black Friday.
Culture!  The Target Holidazzle Parade starts at 6:30pm on black friday.  This is one thing I really love about downtown Minneapolis that makes the cold air a little more tolerable.   Wouldn't you rather spend your time with your kids or family doing this ???

                                 

Nicollet Mall is the life blood of downtown Minneapolis.  Along this exact street you'll find coffee shops, mom & pop shops, watering holes and food - The Local, Brits Pub, Vincent, Newsroom, McCormick & Schmick's, Barrio, & Zelo just to name a few !

4. MAJOR DEPARTMENT STORES

If you have to get some holiday shopping out of the way for other people on your list, then you've also got major department stores downtown to.  Come support downtown and buy your gifts in Minneapolis at  Saks off Fifth, Neiman Marcus, Banana Republic, GAP, Allen Edmond, Brooks Brothers, Len Druskin, Cole Hann & Macy's.

Macy's also carries on the Dayton's old tradition of the 8th floor Holiday display.  What a better way to end your black friday than enjoying the spirit of the the holidays.

Even if you'd like hair, nails and personal services on black friday, you can visit Rocco Altobelli in the IDS Center.  Find Jessica or Sara at the front desk and tell them L.A. Nik sent you !  They'll be open all day.

5. DOWNTOWN PROMOTIONS

Lastly, to help you enjoy family fun, comfortable shopping and great holiday celebration, take advantage of the specials that downtown businesses are running just to help you enjoy your stay!  Meet Minneapolis is the group of people that strive to make sure your stay in downtown runs as smooth as possible.  They work real hard behind the scenes to make sure you enjoy Minneapolis, along side the Minneapolis DID.  I can sum up my feelings for downtown Minneapolis by quoting them..

"There's no place quite like Minneapolis. It's a city of amazing contrasts and combinations. Where down home people meet uptown style. Where below zero temperature meets above average intelligence. Where modern glass architecture meets outdoor green adventure. Where every season, every art and every type meet in every possible way. We want everyone to Meet Minneapolis, and see firsthand what an amazing place this is".


Visit this page of the Meet Minneapolis website to discover holiday specials from hotels, restaurants, local shops, theater and more to make your stay memorable.  All at a fraction of the hassle of parking at the mall....


If you need help outside the immediate downtown area but still like to support local store owners, then check out these two links.  Local companies helping local companies..


1. http://minneapolis.cities2night.com/read/3567/save-green-on-black-friday


2. http://lepetitconnaisseurdelamode.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-friday-local-shopping-roundup.html

LASTLY !!!!

Don't forget if you're DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS, and you see me.. pull out your camera and Snap a Pic of L.A. Nik.  You might just win $1,000 CASH to cover your holiday spending spree downtown.
Only 5 Days Left !!!

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