Black Thursday?

[indysteel]

The "mere" fact that people have died during Black Friday rampages is reason enough to dispense with it. Of course, I realize that's pretty unrealistic at this point. It's too much of a sacred cow.

When did Black Friday become such a big deal by the way? I vaguely remember the Friday after Thanksgiving being a shopping day when I was a kid, but I don't remember it being quite so crazy. Of course, when I was a kid, the concept of indoor malls was still a bit of a novelty. Certainly, there was no such thing as a "big box retailer." We mostly shopped at L.S. Ayres and Blocks--large downtown department stores. They were civilized places if memory serves. Going there at Christmas time was a treat because of all the pretty decorations, including a huge tree. Now everything is just so obnoxious and in your face. I'll admit it; I've grown to really dislike the holidays because of it.

[limewave]

When I participate in Black Friday, I usually start at Sears. They have just about everything there. And its not as popular a store as Walmart, Best Buy, etc. Plus there are multiple entrances. I arrive about 10-15 minutes before they open. If I enter at the door by the clothes, I can get right in, the line by the tools/electronic sections are longer. I'm usually in and out of Sears with just about everything on my list in about 20 minutes. It's not anywhere near the nightmare I hear about at other stores. You get a free tool bag with a $20 tool purchase--it's a small tool bag, but the nephews LOVE getting a REAL craftsman tool bag and it doesn't cost me a dime.

My dad is a morning person. He's always up at 3 AM. Since he's retired, he spends most of his morning between Menards, Lowes, Home Depot. Just chatting it up with other retiree's and vets. I usually give him a list and he does some shopping for me--he insists that he enjoys it More power to him!

And, you know, I do enjoy Christmas shopping. It's the one time of year I get to actually spend money! And finding gifts for my family and friends is so much fun. Seems like all year long we are on such a tight-budget and we have to scrimp, save, compromise, etc. We have a separate Christmas savings account that is "sacred." We put money into it every week and absolutely do not touch it no matter how desperate we are. When Christmas finally comes around and I get to go out and "spoil" my kids and my family--I enjoy it. Sue me for enjoying shopping during the holiday season.

[indysteel]

When I participate in Black Friday, I usually start at Sears. They have just about everything there. And its not as popular a store as Walmart, Best Buy, etc. Plus there are multiple entrances. I arrive about 10-15 minutes before they open. If I enter at the door by the clothes, I can get right in, the line by the tools/electronic sections are longer. I'm usually in and out of Sears with just about everything on my list in about 20 minutes. It's not anywhere near the nightmare I hear about at other stores. You get a free tool bag with a $20 tool purchase--it's a small tool bag, but the nephews LOVE getting a REAL craftsman tool bag and it doesn't cost me a dime.

My dad is a morning person. He's always up at 3 AM. Since he's retired, he spends most of his morning between Menards, Lowes, Home Depot. Just chatting it up with other retiree's and vets. I usually give him a list and he does some shopping for me--he insists that he enjoys it More power to him!

That doesn't sound so bad. Do you live in a smaller community? Around here, it's more a mosh pit kind of a thing.

[limewave]

That doesn't sound so bad. Do you live in a smaller community? Around here, it's more a mosh pit kind of a thing.

I live in a moderate size city. We have the malltropolis with a smaller size mall, Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, Target, etc all right in the same area. Trying to get to Sears is a hassle--a lot of traffic. However, most everyone is in line at Best Buy or Toys R Us . . . much smaller crowds at Sears.

[jlnc]

It depresses me to see the inevitable news clip every year of people knocking each other over to get a good deal at 3am. I think Black Friday as a concept is fine, but it has gone to the extreme.
It's unfortunate that those who work in retail can't count on Thanksgiving as a day off.
Growing up, the only thing open on Thanksgiving was the local grocery store, only for a few hours, in case someone had a Thanksgiving day emergency ...they usually closed by noon or 2pm as i recall.

[Brandi]

I praise those who HAVE to work on Thanksgiving day! Health worker's firefighters, people who keep our light's on and feed the homeless. But to think that people can't just stop from spending money for one day! One day! I am so glad I leave in the town I do. Though our markets are open. Hence the friend we are having for dinner who is working that day. But she does get triple the pay. And has no family here except her husband. So for her it is extra money and not such a big deal. But when I found out she was working I knew she had to come over for dinner. Besides we are not one of those eat at 3:00 thanksgiving dinner people. We have it at the normal dinner hour.
I heard last year that the sales they have after thanksgiving are not different then the rest of the holiday season.
I am always hopeful that people learned their lesson after the 2008 crash but I still see them buying crap! Why oh why?
We actually waited for our old TV to break before we got a new one. Same with our computer's. We have a computer that is 8 years old and one that is 6. I have a little lap top i bring on the road with me. We wait till things break before we replace them. Well except our car because it needs to get us were we are going without breaking. But really. Eeerrrrr sorry to rant.

[Tri Girl]

Ugh... don't even get me started. The stupidity/insanity around Black Friday is ludicrous. Most times you can get a better deal online or by waiting until closer to the holiday.
Stores being open in Thanksgiving is unforgivable. If nobody would shop that day, they would realize that it's not a good idea. Unfortunately, people will shop and they will continue to stay open.

I used to have to work the day after Thanksgiving when I worked in retail for 10 years- I hated EVERY second of it. People are nasty and not nice and will fight over $2... the whole idea is stupid. Rant over.