Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday


Today is Black Friday and I'm sure many of you are waiting in long lines as I type. Traditionally, this is the biggest shopping day of the year. I've only gone shopping on Black Friday a few times. Once Nichelle and I got up early and gave it a whirl just for fun. For us, it wasn't so much about the deals, but to watch the people. It was crazy. In one store, the toy aisle was so crowded that I couldn't even get in there. I remember one lady pushing a cart with about ten dolls in it, all the same kind. Either she had a big family who have no individual personality, or she was planning on selling them for a lot more. I figured the latter was the case. We just didn't understand how some people would stand in line for so long to get a free Hot Wheels car -- weird.

The original term Black Friday dates back to a big stock market crash in 1869. It later became the big shopping day after the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924. However, it wasn't actually called Black Friday until 1966. That term was first used in Philadelphia to refer to the heavy traffic that day. Recently, merchants have used the term Black Friday to refer to being in the red and taking a loss, to going over to the black and making a profit. Electronics and toys are the most common sales items.

Last year was crazy when one Walmart employee was stampeded to death as he tried to open the door. Two other people got into an argument at Toys R Us and were fatally shot. Other people have waited in lines for hours, gotten pushed around, and in fights. Maybe I'm just a scrooge, but that doesn't sound like fun to me. I know people get some good deals and that's great. One year I went shopping on Black Friday in the evening after the crowds went home. Ironically, I saw a lot of things that were still available for the same price. I guess it's just not my thing. I would prefer to spend a few dollars more or take my time finding someone a perfect gift that's suited just for them, rather than buy them a hand mixer because it was five bucks.

Black Friday has definitely become a media event and it will be all over the news today. They'll report how big or small the crowds are, what was on sale, and what crazy things people end up doing. If you ever wanted to be on television, you might have a chance today. One thing that has always cracked me up are the pictures and video footage of people and what they've bought. So much for surprises if that's your family member being shown with Mr. Potato Head! It will be interesting to see how many people are out shopping and actually buying stuff, especially in this economy with so many people out of jobs. I, for one, won't be daring the stores today. I'd rather sit here in my warm bed next to my kitty, sipping my Pumpkin Spice coffee, while listening to the rain hit the deck. If you're brave enough to face the crowds today, I hope you find lots of great bargains. Happy shopping!

7 comments:

  1. I'm like you, Rena...I enjoy the day off, in my pjs at home and ordering online...I have never been BF Shopping and have no desire to do so...I know people who go every year and all they talk about is the crowds and mean some people were...it's crazy...grin...hope you and your blogger readers had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hugs...

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  2. Despite what I said on Facebook about definately NOT going out shopping today,I ended up doing it. I went to three small stores,plus K Mart and Wal mart.But ironically,I wasn't looking for Christmas gifts. I was picking up pet food for the food pantry(our furry family members gotta eat too) and some baby gifts for the newest member of our church. The crowds weren't too overwhelming.I actually enjoyed myself!

    Leanne

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  3. I was out today at 3:45 at JCPennys. I collect the free snow globes that they give away each year. I also found some clothing for my daughter there that he needed at a great price.
    I did two other stores and bought stuff I needed or my daughter needed. I have a blast talking to the customers in line. I was funny hearing all the people whining about all the shoppers. I was having to stiffle my giggles!

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  4. We didn't go out early, but we went out about 8:30 am to Sears and got a new flat screen tv for a great price. Merry Christmas to us for the next 4 years. LOL

    Nancy

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  5. No way. I have never gone shopping on Black Friday. It's just too insane for me.

    We all stayed home today. Yesterday we hosted Thanksgiving for both families for the first time. Success! My motto afterwards was, "Now, if you don't mind..." *falls over*

    I prefer Cyber Monday, anyway. Good deals AND I don't have to leave home? I'm there!

    Gale

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  6. It is funny because I had never heard of the term 'Black Friday' before last year when I read about it on the WMB! We don't have anything like it in Canada though I did hear that alot of Canadians rushed to the USA to shop this year. I for one, hate crowds, malls and shopping in general so there is no way I could or would ever participate in Black Friday! And thankfully I married a man who likes to shop - almost as much as he likes to cook!

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  7. Hi Tracy -- We're just a few hours from the Canadian border and a lot of people come down to shop here, especially at the big box stores like Target and Costco. I imagine more will when our big SuperWalmart opens up. I wasn't out yesterday, so I don't know if a lot of Canadians took advantage of Black Friday here.

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