I have scoured the internet & local newspapers for the best deals this 'Black Friday.' I think I have found a lot of good deals and have been impressed by how so many retailers are leveraging the occasion as they enter the world of social media. Here are some pointers - good & bad.

1. I befriended a retailer on Facebook. For that I received a coupon that was good to use at the store - actually it was $5 bucks online & a little more in the store. A phenomenal cross channel experience. I visited that retailer last evening. The store clerk rolled her eyes and yelled out at her colleague, 'Hey Janice, look we got another one.' Not sure they were really happy.

2. I am being followed on Twitter, so I followed these brands back. I received some good tweets & some not so good one's. I was directed to some really good specials on these companies web sites. Some of the other tweets - they looked good, but the fine print was a little too discouraging. The deals were gone as there was a limit on the number of deals available. I was offered a smaller discount and even a slightly different model - but I passed.

3. A major multi-channel merchant advertised the unbelievable. It was a coordinated cross channel advertising blitz. Television, print, email, & social media - they advertised something at over 60% off retail! I needed 'one' for my home so I had it marked on my list of items to purchase. Well, I just received word last night - via email & social media - that they goofed! 'Big mistake,' they even apologized - they meant to sell the item at 30% off! The deal was unbelievable to begin with.

The digital channels are carried by the consumer into their home and private space. Many merchants have done very well to attract, engage, & create anticipation. This is the first holiday season that social media is being leveraged so a lot of what is being done this year will be tracked and followed up on. Merchants can keep the consumer really engaged - they need to learn to do this step by step & by building up trust.

Wish you all a very happy thanksgiving, & I wish merchants of all kinds a start to a great season.

If you are looking for a great deal and don't want to search the web - here is one site that has done a great job pulling together really good offers. (GottaDeal!)