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On Black Friday that could be the first five minutes if you’re trampled by the stampede of rabid shoppers.
The day after Thanksgiving is when stores offer ridiculously deep discounts on big-ticket items in hopes that shoppers will come in droves and save them from facing financial disaster. I am convinced that the shrewd BF shopper knows in advance what aisle their coveted prize is stored.
I’ve ventured out on one of these predawn shopping nightmares once. It was enough for me. People weren’t smiling and singing carols. There was no excuse me if carts bumped.
They had blood in their eyes. They crashed their cart into mine to get me out of their way. They raced down the aisle like contestants in an iron man triathlon and literally grabbed that coveted item off the shelf.
It doesn’t sweeten short tempers when the stores have maybe fifty of an item and there are two hundred shoppers. Somebody is going to get seriously peeved, and some feel the urge to vent. Or just grab the item out of my cart and run for the cash register.
Just like they came, they leave. After all, the store down the street has more items that go on sale an hour later. They pour into cars and tear out of the lot like NASCAR drivers off pit road.
No sale is worth putting myself through the torture of Black Friday shopping. If I feel the urge to shop that day, it’ll be online.
What about you? Are you a Black Friday veteran? Do you have strategies for getting just what you want most?
Filed in: Jaunty Post
Nov 27th
2009
8:05 am
Laura Said:
I’ve never done a Black Friday shopping because I’ve always envisioned it just as you described it. Not my cup of tea by any means. As it is, I do my grocery shopping at the crack of dawn because I do NOT like crowds. However, you’ve just reminded me that I do have to get out today because the dogs need their kibble and I usually do the shopping at WalMart (I’m visiting someone out of state and that’s pretty much the only place to shop here – grocery or otherwise). Hopefully it won’t be too bad.
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Nov 27th
2009
8:15 am
kristan higgins Said:
I’m like you, Janette! I hide. I’m afraid. I’m a timid shopper at best, so Black Friday would just about slay me.
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Nov 27th
2009
8:42 am
Emily McKay Said:
Sounds like Black Friday brings out the worst in humanity. Me, I’m all about looking for the best in humanity. (Thus, I’m the romance fan
)
Plus, my family always visits for the holiday. Who would want to shop when there are kids to play with and left overs to eat?
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Nov 27th
2009
1:17 pm
Shana Said:
I hate shopping. I buy everything I can online.
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Nov 27th
2009
2:05 pm
Margo Maguire Said:
I am not much of a shopper – so no, Black Friday is not for me. Although I will admit that my husband and I went to the hardware store this morning. No crowds, however.
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Nov 27th
2009
2:30 pm
catslady Said:
My husband and I did it once – never again. Neither of us really like to shop but he wants in and out in a minute and I need to look around so I usually have to go alone.
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Nov 27th
2009
5:08 pm
Janette Kenny Said:
Laura I hope you got in and out of Walmart for the kibble without too much hassle. I drove past out local Walmart this afternoon and there looked to be ample parking, so either shoppers are like me and dislike our store, or they hit and run early. Either way I’m glad I wasn’t one of the masses.
You and me both, Kristan!
Emily, I heard some shoppers planning around family visits with many starting their shopping at midnight Thanksgiving. It just boggles my mind.
Oh, I am so getting that way, Shana.
LOL, Margo. I doubt the hardware store gets the huge crowds at any time.
Catslady, I’d think people who dislike shopping and/or crowds should avoid Black Friday like the plague.
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Nov 27th
2009
6:16 pm
Mary M Said:
I would go shopping on Black Friday only if I had a bodyguard. The news stories are frightening!
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Nov 27th
2009
7:56 pm
Janette Kenny Said:
Mary, I so agree! I heard shoppers in one KC area Toys R Us who left because the other patrons were too short-tempered and scary. How sad is that at a store for kids!
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Nov 27th
2009
9:57 pm
Catherine Kean Said:
I shopped on Black Friday once, many years ago. I did get some good deals, but didn’t enjoy the long lines at the checkouts and feeling tired and frazzled. Now I do most of my shopping online. It’s much more convenient. Many places are offering free shipping deals, I can take my time making my selections, and I love having the packages delivered right to my doorstep.
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Nov 27th
2009
10:17 pm
eap Said:
I shop onlineevery almost exclusively with free shipping and promo codes, why not?
I’m done with all my Christmas shopping, I think.
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Nov 27th
2009
11:59 pm
Janette Kenny Said:
Catherine, I hated the crowds and long lines. Online is so much better, and I love having the packages delivered to my door.
Wow, you’re done Christmas shopping, eap? I am very impressed.
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