For the uninitiated, the term Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving. It traditionally kicks off the Holiday season. People line up in the cold and dark outside of the major retailers in the hopes of being in a good position (when the doors open before dawn) to take advantage of all the crazy sales. If you are determined enough, you can find savings anywhere, from 20% to as much as 60% off. Unfortunately, you will have to spend of your Thanksgiving on a long line with total strangers, freezing your butt off. In some cases, you might even have to fight with someone to take that special stuffed Elmo you needed so badly. All of this seems so cliché, yet the temptation of savings is very great.
I’m a woman who can’t say no to great deals. I worked very hard all year, saved as much as I could for this very specific day and kind of prepared myself for all of the insanity. Unfortunately, this year, I got the flu and it was impossible for me to get out of the house with a fever to line up for hours in freezing weather. I admire those people for their patience, courage and tenacity, but I personally had to pass on it.
This year, I went shopping online (I’m so thankful for the internet), and was able to get almost everything that was on my list. I got a backpack for my husband that was worth 130$ and paid 50$ which I consider one of my biggest shopping success this year. I also bought a dog bed worth 120$ and paid 60$ and a winter coat that was worth 150$ for 80$ to name just a few… Needless to say that this shopping addict was feeling pretty good. After a little research I realized that the online sales were not as good as on site sales. Obviously retailers are trying to inspire people to come to their stores instead of shopping online.. Is there a big difference?
Over the last few years, the growing trend as been toward shopping online. The overall convenience combines with the saving as made it hard to resist. However, with the brick and mortar stores facing real threats from this, the retailers are now trying very hard to lure their customers back. For me personally, I could not go to my shopping mission this year. However, the fact that I was sick in bed, and was still able to get everything I needed without leaving my bedroom at significant savings speaks for itself.
Balck Friday mania doesn’t only happen in the U.S. Countries like Canada, France, United Kingdom and Mexico… to name just a few.
In 2010, Small Business Saturday, was founded to help promote local businesses and communities. The idea is dedicated to promoting and supporting community businesses. Also, the following Monday, there is something called « Cyber Monday ». Which is like black friday but online. You’ll probably find kind of the same deals than during black Friday.
Did you ever experience Black Friday in NYC? what was the craziest deal you found?
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