First off, I would like to say that I really don't get into a whole lot of hype over Black Friday. Second off, I find that many of the sales offered on Black Friday are comparable to sales at other times of the year. With that being said, there are some good deals to be found out there. I did manage to make it to a few stores today, but I limited it to three.
As for shopping strategies for Black Friday, scouring the ads, making a plan of action (where you want to go, and what you want to purchase at that store), and getting your coupons together makes for an easier shopping day. I never wait outside the store before it opens, either. I arrive upon site at around 15 minutes after store opening, when I can snatch a parking space from someone leaving, and still be early enough to get the deals I want. And considering that there are already stories coming out about people getting trampled to death, I think it is wise to wait until after the crowd enters the store, since that is when people are getting injured/killed. No good deal is worth your life, or someone else's. The three stores I visited today all opened at different times, 3 AM, 5 AM, and 7 AM. It worked out perfectly time wise to be able to arrive shortly after the stores opened. The biggest drawback I experienced today was waiting in line to pay. And I am happy to report, that at least where I was, everyone was polite and cheery for the most part.
I would also like to add a short commentary on shopper conduct as well. For the most part, people were very friendly and in good spirits wherever I shopped at today. But please consider those who have been standing in line for quite some time before you decide to cut into line. Many of us go out of our way to find the end of the line out of common courtesy for our fellow shoppers. When you cut, you are making the pregnant ladies (ummm....that would be me), among others, stand in line for longer than necessary. You are also being rude. Just patiently wait your turn! On another note, I know I previously mentioned people being trampled. I did not personally witness anything like this, but if there is an unruly crowd, leave for your own safety. Don't participate in that madness! And as for parking, if you see someone is waiting for a specific parking spot, don't rush in and steal it from them. This did happen to me today. I was waiting as someone pulled out, I had my blinker on and everything. A purple jeep raced up and took the spot. RUDE! Extend to your fellow shopper common courtesies and kindness. We all want a good deal, but it is not worth being mean and nasty to those around you to get that good deal. And it reflects upon your character. The moral of my post is go shopping, have fun, and be polite! It makes everyone's shopping experience so much better!
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3 comments:
You are a stronger woman than I to have gone out on Black Friday! I did my shopping online, can't stand the crowds on the best days, and really can't cope with the Christmas frenzy. (I got a limited time free amazon prime account, free shipping through Christmas! Been using it for things like bulk yeast, too. It's been such a savings I think I'm going to bite the bullet and pay for amazon prime when this deal expires.)
This video from Target actually made me cry a little, people behaving that way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW0ejy6Pno0&feature=player_embedded#! Especially when you realize it's fueled by a bad economy and economic hardship. People are desperate to take care of Christmas.
For economical reasons, I have been doing my weekly grocery shopping at Walmart (what I can't buy even cheaper at grocery outlet stores, bulk bins at the health food store, dollar general, etc.) I just realized today that for the month of December I'm not going to be able to set foot in Walmart. I hope I survive the sticker shock of the regular grocery store.
ps--here is a link to the free Amazon prime thing. Gives you free shipping on a lot, but not all, Amazon purchases. http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/welcome
Just FYI for anyone who watches that video LeslieNNC linked, there are a few swear words in it. But it does portray the madness and crazyness of Black Friday - a few people got stuck and barely escaped being trampled. For that reason, I warn readers that it may be sensitive to watch as well. Unfortunately, events like this happen all too often on Black Friday.
LeslieNNC - I avoid Wal-Mart if at all possible! I very rarely shop there, and in fact, I am able to get better deals on groceries by scouring the weekly grocery store ads. I buy only what is on sale, and many grocery stores also have links to printable coupons, sometimes even for the generic store brand products. I often find that I can get a better deal on produce buying on sale at a grocery store, and the quality of the produce is better than Wal-Mart's produce. I don't really like crowds all that much myself!
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