Black Friday…the day after Thanksgiving when retailers hope their financial books go from red to black…when they are completely profitable for the year…isn’t what it used to be…
I was in retail for years…I loved the excitement of this time of year…especially after I was in management. Seeing people with their Christmas anticipation and the stores being full gave me energy…even as an Introvert. I love growth, busyness, and energy, so Black Friday became one of my favorite days of the year.
Fast forward almost 20 years and Black Friday isn’t what it used to be. My youngest son Nate Twittered that he had participated in his first Black Friday event. He was finished and in bed by 6 AM. In my retail days, that’s about the time I was going to work to prepare the store to open. Because of the changes in Black Friday, and because I’m no longer paid to do so, I have participated in the day in years. (Any other former or current retail folks out there?)
So, let’s have some fun discussing Black Friday today…
Dialogue with me and other readers with your thoughts, experiences, and predictions about Black Friday…
Here are some questions to get you talking:
- Do you participate in Black Friday? How early do you get up? Or do you not go to bed?
- What stores and prices were most exciting this year? What are the items most in demand?
- What gets you out of bed (or from going to bed) to participate…is it more the prices or the excitement?
- Is Black Friday for the younger crowd or do middle-aged guys like me get involved?
- Is there an online Black Friday experience? Help a guy out…
- For those who don’t participate…why don’t you? Tell us what you really think of people who would get out of bed at 2 AM to stand in line for a 3 AM door opening…
- Where is Black Friday going next? I can see the change in 20 years…Give us your best prediction for the next 20 years…
You certainly don’t need to answer all of these, but hopefully that will get you talking. I want to hear about your thoughts and experience with Black Friday.
Let’s talk…
Twitter: tijuanabecky
says:
I don't participate, don't think I've ever gone shopping on Black Friday. My preference is to stay up late with my online family Thursday night and sleep through all the sales on Friday. I get up around lunch. If you're really out to get stuff you need for Christmas or life and you can get it sale, then I don't think you're crazy, but if you're really trying to get stuff on sale that you don't need than you're spending money you could be saving. I prefer my sleep, and not to have to be out with crazy people and busy traffic.
Thanks for dialoguing Becky.
After spending 30 years as a retailer – I've exchanged those Black Friday mornings for big family breakfasts, long visits with friends & family, and a game or two (or three) of football. Now don't get me wrong – Christmas is still my favorite time of the year and I'll always love a store decked out in lavish splashes of silver, gold, and red. It also doesn't get any better than music proclaiming the 'reason for the season' dancing in the air and filling the hearts of all those who can hear. It's the most wonderful time………of the year.
I'm sure with your retail experience you have been to places like Macy's in New York at Christmas time. I loved Marshall Fields in Chicago. I would probably make an appearance at one of those stores if I lived there today….Otherwise, I'm home.
Never been involved in a Black Friday event, not even on-line. One thing I noticed this year was Stores being open on Thanksgiving Day from 6am- Noon for pre-Black Friday sales. I think this will become the norm. I was grateful my local Starbucks was open and the employees were happy with the overtime pay.
Laurinda, I agree. We were talking about this at dinner tonight. My son went with friends to an early morning (4:15) sale. He said they weren't that busy and the sales weren't that great, but it made me think that stores have no choice but to participate. They lose the dollars that are going to be spent if they don't. Interesting retail season.
Black Friday photos: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101126/PROMO/…
I am no longer in retail, so I no longer participate. I spent, in my opinion, far too many years dealing with Black Friday from the inside. I guess I never had a chance to see it from the same perspective that many do; for me it was a major hassle. The company I worked for began to get ready for it in September and I didn't get it out of my area until January! I heard all the latest Christmas music 1000 times (at least!), saw all the newest decorations, had them put up in my area, and had to deal with all this for 4-5 months our of every year. By the time Christmas finally got here, I was absolutely fed up with all of it! People were short tempered and I was not much better; Most shoppers seemed to think this only happened one time a year for only one month, not true! It sounds terrible, but I had learned to hate the Christmas season. I know what it is supposed to be about, but retail has reduced it to being nothing more than what they can make! It had nothing to do with what Jesus did for us, what God gave us, it's what they can make! The almighty dollar! When I finally got out of retail ( I deliver mail in the USPS now), it took me 2 years before I could listen to Christmas music again without cringing. I still won't go anywhere near a store on Black Friday and pity the people that think they are doing a good thing. For the economy, they probably are, for Christmas, I have a hard time with that one. At a later time I may see it differently. For now Black Friday still has a very different meaning for me.
I can do what I need at another time and without all the stress.
I understand. Having been in retail, it does change your perspective. I did enjoy the excitement of it, but it's much different these days. It was fun shopping then…and may be for some now…but there wasn't quite the push it seems now for a few special deals. Thanks for discussing
I might have done the Black Friday thing when I was younger, but it wasn't truly a big deal back then. Today, I prefer to shop through the year, picking up things here and there that are the right fit for the right person. Or taking the time to make things at home. And I just don't need or want anything badly enough to deal with middle of the night shopping, crazy crowds, increasingly rude shoppers and such. Not worth it. I find too, that with patience and by paying attention, I eventually find what I want at the the price I want. I choose to live with considerably less chaos and stress than Black Friday affords. Nice day for a country drive…
Perspectives do change over time. A country drive sounds pretty good…
I have never gone to a black Friday event. I think it is a nice idea, and a great way for us average income folk to be able to buy things we would not normally be able to afford. However, I am just not about stuff. The Lord has been so good and faithful that I cannot see myself or my husband up that early, fighting a crowd, for… Stuff. Also, I have been reading articles that tell consumers about how advertisements for black Friday are not always as they seem; I.e. Televisions being largely discounted, but only having a few in stock. Plus ever since that poor man was trampled to death, I lost any and all curiosity about the event.
That is not to say I do not understand why people go, I think it is really cool, just not for me.
Thanks Crystin for starting the discussion…I'm wondering if I will hear from the actual participants until at least late this afternoon….If they aren't shopping…they've gone back to bed…
Abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives. It is up to us to choose which garden we will attend…are we going to focus on what is missing or what we are grateful for?" (author unknown). My mantra today is going to be "I want what I have."
That's a great perspective. Learning contentment is a great accomplishment. I know lots of Black Friday shoppers who seem very content with life but love the thrill of the experience. Hoping some of them will chime in once their done shopping and/or sleeping after shopping. Thanks for the discussion…