Black Friday is well-known as a major shopping event, but what many consumers might not realize is the immense amount of preparation and effort that goes into making the experience worthwhile. Behind the scenes, dedicated professionals work tirelessly to filter through countless deals, separating genuine bargains from misleading offers and marketing fluff. This ensures shoppers can find products that truly add value to their lives without wasting time sifting through endless pages of false discounts.
One such professional is a seasoned tech and shopping content expert who, over the course of 15 years, has grown from a junior writer passionate about technology to the Director of Shopping Content at CNET. Drawing from years of experience, this individual is deeply committed to helping the audience make smart purchasing decisions, especially during the hectic Black Friday period. To achieve this, their team dedicates the entire month of November to meticulous preparation, ensuring that only the best deals and products reach consumers.
As the Black Friday rush intensifies, maintaining focus and energy becomes essential. Many tech writers are caffeine enthusiasts, often debating the best ways to stay alert throughout long working hours. Interestingly, this particular professional prefers tea on most days but switches to stronger caffeinated beverages during the demanding Black Friday season. Their go-to choice is Alani Nu energy drinks, especially the seasonal holiday flavors like “Winter Wonderland,” which features festive notes of cranberry and sugar plums. Each can packs a potent 200mg of caffeine, so caution is advised for those who are sensitive or unaccustomed to such high levels.
Long hours and unconventional working schedules also require tools that help maintain concentration without disturbing others. Headphones become indispensable in these situations, particularly when working late at night while others sleep. To create a pleasant and immersive working environment, this expert often listens to the audio of their favorite movie trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, via the Roku app, streaming sound directly to their ears. This approach provides ambient background noise that helps maintain focus without distracting family members. Their headphone of choice is the JBL Tune One M2, praised for its comfort, excellent battery life, and sound quality. Conveniently, these headphones are currently available at a 50% discount at Walmart, making them an attractive purchase for anyone in need of reliable audio gear.
Sustenance during the busy Black Friday preparation period is another key consideration. While younger versions of this professional might have been content with junk food and late-night takeout, experience has led to healthier and more practical choices. Last year, they found a convenient and nutritious fix in Goodles mac and cheese, which boasts a good protein content and a variety of flavors. By adding diced tomatoes and protein to the Cacio e Pepe flavor, they created a quick, satisfying meal even during the late hours of the night.
This year, Goodles has introduced single-serving mac and cheese cups in several flavors, which has further streamlined the process. These cups save time on preparation and cleanup without sacrificing taste or nutrition. At just $2 per cup, they offer an affordable and efficient meal option ideal for busy periods like Black Friday, when every minute counts.
Entertainment and mental breaks are equally important during the intense shopping season. Podcasts and audiobooks provide a flexible way to stay engaged and entertained, whether at the desk, in the gym, or on the go. This expert has a particular fondness for audiobooks, especially those featuring full voice casts, which add depth and excitement to the listening experience. Currently, they are enjoying the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series, a refreshing change of pace after completing “The Empyrean” series.
To access audiobooks, they often rely on their local library but turn to Audible when waiting lists are long. Audible is currently offering a compelling deal for new subscribers: $1 per month for the first three months, along with a $20 credit to spend on any audiobooks. This promotion effectively allows listeners to access four audiobooks for just $3, making it a cost-effective way to explore new titles and genres during the busy shopping season.
When not glued to screens, this professional prefers to engage in more social and tactile activities to decompress. Instead of playing video games on the Nintendo Switch 2, they often opt for board games, which offer a refreshing way to unwind and connect with friends. Board games also help create a clear boundary between work and personal time, especially important when working remotely and on irregular schedules.
Among the recommended games is “Wingspan,” designed by Elizabeth Hargrave. This slower-paced strategy game features beautiful artwork