Why Allen, Texas, Is My Go-To Spot for Black Friday Shopping
I love going Black Friday shopping in Allen, Texas. With an outlet mall, a Disney store, and more, it’s a great place to score holiday gifts.
Black Friday is sacred in my family. I have fond memories of my dad waking me up early to go buy the Thanksgiving Day newspaper filled with ads that kicked off the holiday shopping season, which my mom, my aunt, and I would look through together before turkey and pie.
Every year, I’ve loved hunting down deals, finding amazing sales, and scoring the season’s top gift. And even though the Black Friday ads have moved online, and my parents prefer to watch my kids instead of going out themselves, it’s still one of my favorite days of the year. Nothing screams Christmastime like early-morning peppermint mochas with my husband and sisters as we blare holiday music and drive to all our favorite stores.
One place I definitely hit up every single Black Friday for the best deals, gifts, and overall vibes? Allen, Texas! This city has everything you need for the best holiday shopping, cute photo ops, and festive spirit.
Target
150 E Stacy Road
Let’s start at Target, always a must to find presents for my three kids, ages 8, 6, and 3. The North Allen Target is a designated “Disney store at Target” that sells exclusive Disney merchandise previously available only at Disney retail stores and parks.
I’ve gotten official Buzz Lightyear costumes, cool Disney Christmas decorations, and amazing toys and gifts here. It’s also interactive, so if you happen to have kids with you, they will love seeing their favorite character displays suspended from the ceiling and Disney clips played on a TV.
You can check off more than just the kids with a trip to this Target. This location also has an “Ulta Beauty at Target” and a “Kendra Scott x Target” inside, meaning you can shop gifts from these retailers during your Target run. I’ve been known to spend three hours inside Target on Black Friday before, and now you know why!
Allen Premium Outlets
820 W Stacy Road
Despite the traffic, a stop at Allen Premium Outlets is always worth it. Yes, it might take a while to get in and find a parking spot (pro tip: Have someone drop you off so you can start waiting in line for your favorite store while they circle the lot), but the deals are off the charts.
The Kate Spade New York outlet store always has massive sales on designer handbags and accessories. Grab shoes on sale at Adidas or Crocs, a new holiday fit at the combined American Eagle and Aerie store or the Columbia Factory Store, or new makeup at Sephora. Check the website before you go to keep track of all the deals.
There are over 100 stores here, including Le Creuset, The North Face, Janie and Jack, Swarovski, Michael Kors Outlet, Gap, and Carter’s, plus plenty of dining options and a dedicated kids play area.
Watters Creek Village
970 Garden Park
Shopping at Watters Creek Village is like shopping inside a Hallmark movie—there are twinkly lights strung overhead, dazzling Christmas trees, and holiday cheer everywhere you turn. Not to mention, the sales are really good, too.
Find perfect stocking stuffers at Bath & Body Works and trending gifts at Anthropologie. Francesca’s is your one-stop shop for accessories, and Kendra Scott always has the best sales on jewelry. There are both Victoria’s Secret and Pink stores, a Sephora, and a lululemon.
One of my favorite spots is the new Barnes & Noble, which is a labyrinth of books, records, games, toys, and other must-have items that you didn’t even know you needed!
There are many spots to rest your weary feet and grab a bite to eat here as well. These include Bread Winners, P.F. Changs, and the Cheesecake Factory.
And, luckily for busy parents, there is an amazing outdoor play area for kids to run and slide—a must if your kids are as energetic as mine.
The Village at Allen
190 E Stacy Road
The Village at Allen is another shopping center—didn’t I tell you this city is the best?!—with some go-to Black Friday retailers. Think: Best Buy, Game Stop, Ulta, and Burlington.
Grab high-end western wear at Cabela’s, athletic clothes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and all the stocking stuffers you could want at Five Below. There is a TJ Maxx, a HomeGoods, and a Kirkland’s here, where you can score deals on holiday decorations.
Want even more savings? (Duh!) Second-hand stores like Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid are also here, offering even deeper discounts on gently used items. (BTW, this is the same shopping center where that Disney Target from above is located, so chances are, you’ll be visiting anyway.)
For my family, Black Friday is about finding the best deals and getting a head start on holiday shopping. But more importantly, it’s an adventure. It’s a time to venture out, get wrapped up in the excitement of the holiday season, and spend quality time with those you love—before coming home exhausted at the end of the day to eat turkey leftovers and watch a beloved Christmas movie.
If you’re up for it, brave the crowds and try some of my favorite Black Friday haunts this year. It just might become your new favorite holiday tradition, too.
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