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Dress in light layers. Use a belt bag to keep your hands free and your credit cards away from pickpockets.
Bring your own shoulder-strap shopping bags.
Wear comfortable sneakers or walking shoes.

Simplest strategy is to get there early in the morning and take a list of what Black Friday items you're interested.

Note every store that has what you want.
Record prices and model numbers in your list and on the cover of the sales circular for easy reference.
Go through the list, decide who has the most of what you want — or this year’s hottest items.
Keep an eye out for early-bird incentives such as coupons or special sales.

Check when the stores open and plan your route, noting other stores that have the hot items in case your first choice is sold out.
Keep the Black Friday Ads in your car for easy reference.

Some people divide up their families so that some family members take certain stores and other family members take others.
Plan out your items and lists so that you can get in and out of the store quickly.

Do NOT bring your kids, your spouse, your slowpoke girlfriend, your shopping-challenged aunt who can’t make a decision.
Holiday shopping should be a whine-free experience.

The sooner you get to the register, the better. Especially if you go when the stores open.
Make sure to keep track of the timing of promotions.
Some promotions only last from 6am - 9am or even shorter.