Black Friday - Economics or Insanity?
I’ve written about Black Friday before and still marvel at the spooked herd mentality of people responding, like Pavlov’s dogs, to the ring of the shameless loss leader. But this year may be a little different given the state of our economy. While I expect crowds will still be ridiculous by normal standards, it will be interesting to see, when the numbers are tallied, whether tight money dampened or ignited shoppers’ enthusiasm for bargains.
Me, I’m writing this Thursday night for auto-posting tomorrow at 5 A.M. because we plan on sleeping in. Happy Black Friday!
Doug
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Reader Comments (14)
You couldn't PAY me enough to be at a mall on Black Friday! But to those who like it, have fun!
No need to fight the crowds when some of the best ways to save this holiday are using online comparison shopping sites and discount codes. Many retailers have discount codes you can key in to save money. Here is a site to learn more about them:
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/online_deals_and_codes_save_mo.html
You don't need to stand in a line all night. Check out: http://www.bradsdeals.com/
Happy shopping!
Christmas is so over-commercialized!! It isn't supposed to be about shopping and spending money. You are right, it is insanity!!
This, my friends, is the problem with a society based on consumption. I think the more people that tighten their belts and focus on what the holidays should truly be about, the better off they will be.
I remember as a kid baking bread and making jams with my Grandma and mom for holiday presents. One year we made pot holders. We may not want the economic crisis to ruin our holiday gift buying, but in essence, the gift buying is what has ruined the holiday already. Maybe the crises will make more people come together and enjoy this time of the year with family. That would be a good thing for us all.
I have never been shopping on Black Friday or that other orgy, the day after Christmas. In fact, I try not to go anywhere on those days. But I always wondered about the people who do. I still wonder.
When I was in college I worked part time in retail. Black Friday was pure hell.
Now I Christmas shop online a week before with free shipping and guaranteed delivery by the 24th. I haven't set foot in a mall or big box on Black Friday in over ten years.
Instead of shopping on Black Friday, we decorate the house, bake some Christmas cookies, then meet friends at happy hour and go out to dinner after. Pure heaven.
I read your last year's post and agree completely! Stay home! Be safe! Be sane!
The sour economy has made retailers worry about the holiday shopping season. But at the Toys "R" Us store in Hoover this morning, the line wrapped around the building before the 5 a.m. opening. It is hard to figure. The economy is sour yet these people still are lining up for crazy shopping? It will be interesting when the final sales numbers come out.
Run up those credit cards! Most of those items for sale are bottom of the line and are practically useless especially the computers.
I'll bet there will be better deals next month or after Christmas.
Pessimism and "Chicken Littleism" is in full effect here this morning. Good thing we are all full of perspective and thankfulness after yesterday.
I thought you were taking the day off?
Normally you wouldn't catch me anywhere near the mall on BF, but this year my wife had a few things she wanted to try to get for the advertised low prices. We were there at 5 a.m. and surprised the parking lot wasn't completely full. There were crowds inside and it made it godawful, but we did manage to snag 2 of 3 things she wanted, then we got out and went out to breakfast. It wasn't as bad as I expected. Next year? No way!
I did, Frank. This went into the shooter Thursday night for the Friday post so technically I was "off" all day :) The photo is from last year.
Doug