Black Friday

[Girl_On_Fire]

Surprisingly, I didn't see a thread for this so if there is one, I apologize.

What does Black Friday mean to you? Great deals and rock-bottom prices or old ladies being trampled to death in the name of corporate greed? Do you go out into the fray or stay home and lock your doors?

Here is your thread to post about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences around...dun dun dun dun...Black Friday.

;)

[Soft*Silver]

my consignment shop has not been busy for black friday. It IS busy for Small Business Saturday...I am expecting ALOT of customers tomorrow!

[Rockinonahigh]

Once my mom talked me into a foray with black Friday,never again will I attempt such a crazy thing.

[RockOn]

About 25 years or so ago I was in Dillards (probably called Gayfers back then) I had ventured out on Black Friday. Found a coat, steal of a deal ... this woman followed me around, she wanted it. It was the only one in that size. She weirded me out ... I was a little scared she might try to roll me on the floor for it.

Today, all the particular model of a 12" dewalt miter saw I wanted for a sweet deal at $199.99 sold out at both Lowes and Home Depot before I got there. I am not upset. It was the afternoon before I went to check.

Here is what I find entertaining about Black Fridays as long as:
1. I am not involved
2. No one gets hurt

There will be news clips - actually videos of people (from Jerry Springer show???)
fighting over merchandise in a store. Watching this year's video news clips will crack me up.

[TruTexan]

I went for my mom to a black friday shopping event last year to Walmart for video games to wanted to get my nephew. They were in a big cardboard box that had shelves on it, and wrapped in celophane. I met 2 young kids that were there with their mom, they asked me what I wanted, the kids grabbed the games for me cause they were low to the ground and could sit at the box right next to them. HAHAHA I cheated getting my games. But hell if I will ever go out again for another black friday like that one. NEVER AGAIN. I told my sister and mom on Thanksgiving, don't ask me to go black friday shopping.......it AIN"T happening here. LOL

[Soft*Silver]

Rocky, I took my father one year to the mall, at Kaufman's, for Black Friday. The man lived on a farm all his life. He went to the grocery store and back. I thought he was going to have an anxiety attack...until I realized what I was seeing on his face was "marvel"....he had never seen anything like that before. The memory is priceless!


Once my mom talked me into a foray with black Friday,never again will I attempt such a crazy thing.

[Gemme]

Having worked retail for many, many Black Fridays I see it differently than some. The times where I've actually enjoyed myself doing the whole shebang (getting up before the sun, standing in the lines, freezing our fingers off, dashing for whatever deals we were there for, etc) was when I wasn't in the field and was years and years ago.

I don't dare do it now. Now, it's just vicious.

:blink:

[The_Lady_Snow]

I think it's disgusting how people behave and act towards one another the day after they are supposed to be giving thanks, I find it disturbing that people get hurt, killed, trampled, stabbed or any other violent act for an object.

I also despise that workers have to work in these conditions for regular pay, they should be getting double time and hazard pay for that shit. OR better yet GIVE THEM THE DAY OFF...

I have gone shopping on this day once, I came home traumatized and vowed to never do it again, I haven't since and that was about 19 years ago.

Personally if it was up to me, I'd end it and not let it happen ever again. At least it would keep some people alive if it didn't exist.


E.T.A.

The above post is how *I* feel and view this particular Friday, it is NOT a general sweeping statement of all people who choose to shop on this date.

[Cin]

http://www.blogs.alternet.org/files/styles/large/public/black_fri_brain.png

[Cin]

While Black Friday is not new in Canada, I just noticed this year that many stores in Montreal are calling it Vendredi fou. Crazy Friday. Kind of fits.

[DaddyNik12]

although I don't work retail for the shoppers but I do work for fast food , and let me tell you we get cussed out because our coffee machine which makes one at a time , and these ppl are cold and ready to go for more shopping , so just think we fast food workers do get the wrath of those shoppers , when they have to wait instead of them going to get the deals

I had to give up my thanksgiving dinner with my son just so you shoppers can go get your deals !! and I agree we should get double pay for giving up our holidays just to make sure you shoppers get your deals

im not criticizing any shoppers just saying .. we have a family also , so please be thankful that we are there to serve your needs as well ..


also I note that anyone that's open for business on thanksgiving day is just greedy ...

[Girl_On_Fire]

I agree wholeheartedly with The_Lady_Snow. I get sick to my stomach when I see people being tasered, pummeled, trampled, kicked, and even killed over material goods.

That isn't to say I have a problem with people who shop peaceably on this day. It's just the violence that erupts over things that are ultimately so mundane.

No matter what religion you observe (or don't observe) that is not what the holidays are supposed to be about.

[Heavenleahangel]

I am a black Friday shopper-not just for myself, but for people who can't get to the stores themselves. I have family and friends go with me to Wal-Mart and hold our spots in line. This year we got there at 4:30 or so for the 8 pm sale. Good thing we did cuz the store handed out the wrist bands for the 8 pm sales at 6 pm! That was NOT fair, but I didn't make the rules. All total, I saved over $700 for the 4 people I shopped for. They wouldn't have been able to have the gifts they do without the sales and while I do not believe in corporate greed, without these deep discount sales, some of the poorer people can't afford nice things.