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1. "Black Friday's popularity is on the skids...so prepare for more marketing." Despite all the hype surrounding Black Friday, the number of consumers who plan to hit the stores and shopping malls on Nov. 25 may be down again this year. According to a recent survey conducted by management consulting company Accenture, 44% of consumers say they're likely to shop on that day, down from 47% in 2010 and 52% in 2009.

To lure more shoppers, retailers are rolling out new marketing strategies, says Larry Woodard, chair of the American Association of Advertising Agencies' New York Council. Consumers who've provided their cell phone numbers to stores in the past can expect text messages touting Black Friday deals. Social media advertising is also on the rise. Macy's, for example, has been announcing Black Friday deals on Facebook each week since Oct. 31, including 50% off Sharper Image iPhone/iPod docking stations and 40% discounts on coffee makers and espresso machines.