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This weekend will be important for U.S. retailers. They’ll be counting their pennies carefully. With retail sales already down sharply from 2007, merchants are eager for a strong start to the holiday shopping season.
The day after Thanksgiving — now dubbed “Black Friday” — has become something of a ritualized cultural experience, and one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Many people view the day as a chance to grab stellar deals on Christmas gifts.
But will people be spending this year? With the economy wobbling like a top, will the American consumer come through to prop up flagging retail sales?
The merchants hope so, as do many economists, but a new study from the American Research Group shows that the amount Americans plan to spend on Christmas gifts this year is half what they planned to spend last year, and the lowest number in at least a decade.
If you plan to shop this weekend, check out:
- PC World: The insider’s guide to Black Friday bargains
- Yahoo!: Your ultimate guide to Black Friday 2008
- Price Protectr, which will alert you if the price drops on an item you purchased (in many cases allowing you to get a refund on the difference)
While some of my friends subscribe to the “take the day off to find bargains on Black Friday” school of thought, I’ve traditionally sided with another camp. On the day after Thanksgiving, I observe Buy Nothing Day.
For the past decade, I’ve elected not to shop on Black Friday. It’s one way for me to avoid consumerism. Subscribing to a consumerist mindset helped to put me in debt in the first place. I don’t begrudge others their bargains and shopping fun, but I choose not to participate. This year will be no different.
Ramit at I Will Teach You to Be Rich has taken things one step further. Rather than feel obligated to buy gifts you can’t afford, he says, why not do something different — like spend time with those who are important to you:
I’ve come up with a site that I hope you can share with your friends and family. It’s free, and it’s very simple, but the point is to share the idea that you can do something for the people you love without spending money.
At No Christmas Gifts This Year, you can send customized e-cards suggesting alternatives to buying gifts.
If the idea of abandoning gifts entirely is too extreme for you, consider creating homemade Christmas gifts this year.
Regardless of which path you plan to pursue — Black Friday, Buy Nothing Day, or No Christmas Gifts This Year — please spend responsibly. Buy only what you need and can afford. Don’t be lured into impulse purchases. Avoid debt. And most of all, enjoy the spirit of the season.
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November 25th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Great post. I’m doing an almost-entirely homemade Christmas. I’ve told all of our family members that’s what we’ll be doing and I’ve encouraged them to do the same. Like you, I will not be shopping on Black Friday
November 25th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Totally with you on Buy Nothing Day. Been celebrating that for more than 10 years. After doing it a few years, even the temptation to purchase something on “Black Friday” (worst misnomer possible, imo) no longer really exists.
We are, however, going to violate BND in one small way this year. Because of schedules, my significantly better half must leave for two weeks (work) on the Saturday after T-giving. We will, therefore, purchase our Xmas tree on Friday from our local tree farm.
Small violation of the ideal, but again, all things in moderation. Extremism is the true root of all evil.
November 25th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Buy Nothing Day is an interesting one. Gifts are important and serve a symbolic function as a way to express the relationship between two people. A good gift reinforces that relationship by relying on knowledge of the other person to demonstrate that you know and care for them.
Which doesn’t require Black Friday or an expensive gift. I think we’ve come to use the cost of a gift as a proxy for the knowledge component, saying “we must be friends because he gave me something expensive” instead of “we must be friends because he gave me something that shows he knows me.” The key point is that what you are aiming for is “we must be friends because…”
I’m all for homemade or cheap but accurate precisely because of this. Rather than communicating relationship through expense, do it through cunning and wit - put some real work into choosing a gift that is both knowledgeable and “expensive” in another way (like time). Find out the person’s favorite dessert and bake it for them. Find out what obscure candy they liked as a kid and order it online. Make them a CD of songs from the year they were born, or the year they graduated high school, or some other significant life event.
The list goes on and on. So no BFD, no BND, just simple, practical gifts that aren’t about consumerism or fighting it but just being practical in your living and realizing the purpose behind the gift.
November 25th, 2008 at 5:56 am
One of the positive by-products of this financial crisis is that it has awakened many (or forced them) to the idea of “giving from the heart.”
Something that is made with your own hands or a heart-felt letter telling someone how you feel about them or why you admire them will go much farther than a lifeless material object.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
November 25th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Our local Goodwill thrift store has 15% off on Black Friday. Perfect way to satisfy the need to buy and also save my wallet and not contribute to the extreme consumerism!
November 25th, 2008 at 6:11 am
I also observe Buy Nothing Day–partly because I don’t like the way all US holidays become occasions for shopping, and partly because the experience of shopping on that day always makes me think of the alleged experiment where the population of rats in an enclosed area was allowed to increase until they started eating each other.
I tend to do a lot of my holiday shopping at the grocery store and the hardware store, which means it can be combined with other errands and I avoid the mall.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:15 am
I will admit to dragging my preschoolers out at 7 am on Black Friday in search of a particular electronics or craft item on sale. This year it will be for a replacement for our semi-broken second-hand computer, which needs to be replaced before it dies. We’ve been waiting and saving for a good deal.
OTOH, I observe “Stay Away from the Mall Month” between the day following Black Friday until the 12/26 sales start. I can’t bear the crowds at the stores!
November 25th, 2008 at 6:20 am
@Sue (#5)
I love that compromise: Goodwill at 15% off on Black Friday. It’s almost enough to tempt me out of Buy Nothing Day. Almost.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Our TV has been on the fritz for a number of months. My husband has been wanting to buy a new TV for the longest time. I’ve gotten him through the last 6 months by hitting it in just the right way, turning it off for a while to let it cool down, etc. Mostly to hope to try to make it to the holiday season of discount TV’s. I’ll only risk my life on Black Friday if I see a good enough advertisement showing a good sale. Then again, not too many places advertise the smaller tube tv’s anymore.
My family at the end of last year already decided that we would only give gifts to the kids. We’ve all gotten to the point of buying what we want/need throughout the year, then at Christmas we’d exchange gift cards. I’d give my mom $20 to restaurant “x”, and she’s give me $20 to restaurnt “y”. After a number of years of doing this with each person in my family, we’ve decided to keep our own money. The net result is the same.
My brother did meet someone new this year with 2 additional kids. So for that family, I plan on doing homemade care package. They are so busy they don’t have time to bake. So I’m going to bake a bunch of goodies and mail it to them.
Normally, we spend about $500 for Christmas gifts for my siblings families, and my sibling-in-law families, but this year, it should be closer to $100-$200 - even with the new people added.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I’ve never shopped on Black Friday and I never will. It just doesn’t appeal to me at all. Watching the crazy people fight each other for cheap stuff on the news is entertaining though.
On the topic of Christmas spending, I’ve made deals with nearly all of my friends and family to NOT exchange gifts this year, or if we are doing gifts the costs are going to be very low. I plan to spend probably 25% of what I spent last year.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I don’t mind black friday per se. It’s a great opportunity to get a deal if you’ve been putting money aside for a major purchase. But I’ve taken so little time off work this year and I’m only traveling on the 27th my reaction is: I’ve taken the day off work and you want me to do what? When? *cue hysterical laughter*
I will be sound asleep in my nice, warm bed. If I feel so inclined I might check a few websites mid-afternoon but otherwise… cold and busy and pushing and shoving aren’t my ideas of a fun day off.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Great article, J.D. I really like Ramit’s project!
I would prefer not to go shopping on Black Friday, but my fiancee always goes with her mom and sisters and wants me to come along. Doesn’t mean I have to buy anything though
I’m planning on mostly homemade/alternative gifts this year. By alternative I mean something from Heifer International, Samaritan’s Purse, or maybe a Kiva gift certificate. (I’m still getting a feel for Kiva…)
I really wish we could get away from all the consumerism around Christmas and other holidays and get back to something more meaningful. Advent Conspiracy.org has a great little video on their site (it’s on YouTube, too).
November 25th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I don’t boycott Black Friday, I just hate shopping and crowds. When the two are combined I stay home. I’ve never understood all the wonderful “bargains” anyway. If I have to stand in the freezing cold all night just to stand in line and get a $200 computer or a $25 IPOD then I don’t want one. Just pay full price, you’ll waste time you could be at work earning money or spending time with your family, just to save a few bucks - no thanks!
November 25th, 2008 at 7:23 am
I’ve never been shopping on Black Friday and this year won’t be any different. While I like the idea of getting good deals, I can’t stand the thought of pushing my way through all those crowds all day!
My wife and I have done a pretty good job, I think, of keeping the gift giving to a reasonable level and this year we have alignment on both sides of the family that there will be no gifts for adults!
This is a huge time and money saver as most of the adults in our family can buy whatever they need and trying to guess what somebody might enjoy is a nightmare! Also, if they don’t like it, they feel compelled to display/use it anyway since it was a gift, which is just awkward.
So, just gifts for the kids this year and not too many.
I’m looking forward to some good sales…but I’ll wait until a little closer to Christmas.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Maybe its too much to hope, but perhaps with the focus off of buying presents for a year, a few more folks will remember that the holidays, especially Christmas, are supposed to about something besides an Xbox 360.
I’ve never shopped a Black Friday nor do I intend to. I can’t stand the crowds. It’s not worth my time.
I figure the bike trails will be wide open!
November 25th, 2008 at 7:31 am
After years of my husband and I working in retail we have decided that “Black Friday” is a joke. The door busters are usually in limited quantity and of the worst possible quality when my husband was in customer service people would come back Christmas mad that remote was missing and they technically couldn’t do anything to satisfy the customer because it was not an item they ussually carried so there weren’t any in stock to exchange and nothing was as cheap as what they bought.
The stuff worth buying will be marked down on Wednesday before Thanksgiving with the normal markdowns. No need to fight the traffic on Friday at all
November 25th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Paul Williams @ Crackerjack Greenback Says:
November 25th, 2008 at 7:17 am
By alternative I mean something from Heifer International, Samaritan’s Purse, or maybe a Kiva gift certificate. (I’m still getting a feel for Kiva…)
I do like Heifer and have used them for gifts-my mom doesn’t need anything(neither do most of my family)- and really liked the idea of Heifer and the lovely card they send you to send. I also participate in Kiva but haven’t gifted it to anyone- the interesting part of Kiva is that you can choose your particular loanees(?) andfollow the success of the person/people that you “invest” in. Sometimes there are problems- one of the groups I lent money to had weather related problems and might not be totally successful. Kiva got lenders involved- what should be done- we might not get paid back. The responses I saw- like mine- were that however we had helped these people was fine- they were further along than before the loan- if they couldn’t pay back due to causes outside their control, it is how life is. Except in that case, the others I lent to are paying back and I will loan that money again.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Love your comment about buy nothing day.
Personally, I subscribe to:
Not get out of bed for anything on my day off day.
4A.M. Shopping? Are you crazy?
http://www.101WaystoMagnetizeMoney.com
Christine
November 25th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Buy locally! Patronize independent merchants within walking distance of your house. Save gasoline, and keep your commerce $$$ in the community. If you’re the type of person whose heart breaks when a non-chain coffeeshop, clothing store, or book nook goes out of business, this is your time to help these folks out. Who knows, you might even find a gift far more unique than those pushed by the kiloton at the big-box stores. And you’ll spare yourself the parking tsuris!
November 25th, 2008 at 7:39 am
I am a black Friday person. Like most who posted I use it to get an item we have been wanting and saving for, for quite some time.One year it was a DVDR/VHS player to move our VHS tapes over to DVD. Last year we went home for Thanksgiving so the great deals I got for family black Friday I was able to leave at home and not pay for shipping.
However this year I am unimpressed with what is being offered and there is nothing that my husband and I want, nor anything I plan to buy a family member. I will be sleeping in.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:45 am
I avoid stores at all costs on Black Friday. I can’t stand crowds, and I can’t stand hysterical people trampling each other for yet another $29 VCR. It’s ridiculous. And frankly, the deals aren’t that great! This year I am making gift baskets for friends, with homemade jam, whole wheat breads, and fancy cookies. I am also throwing in some vintage items I handpicked for each of them throughout the year, and some sock puppets made for each of the babies.I’m sure that will do fine.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:47 am
I think that people spending less and enjoying the holidays in a more simple fashion can be the silver lining to this enormous cloud. On a personal note, I always thank G-d I am Jewish around this time of year. I can sit out all the retail craziness!(*@&
November 25th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Me, I’ll be out Black Friday. Yes, there will be crowds and pushing and shoving, but the thing is, why do all these people go to all this trouble? Personally, I would like to think that people are the same as I am, trying to get something special, for someone you cherish, for cheap
Call me materialistic or what not, it makes me happy whenever I see that smile from the person I give the gift to. Everybody in the world is materialistic anyway, in one way or another…
November 25th, 2008 at 8:02 am
The only time I’ve done black Friday as an activity with often visitng friends and family members who wanted to go. I’ve never done the earlybird deals because I don’t want to get up early on a day off, and almost always the deal is not something on my shopping list.
But I’m not good at shopping as an amatuer sport what you see on those days, so I’d rather shop on the internet. You may not have the super great deals, but it is a much more relaxing way for me to shop, out of the shopping frenzy of the holiday malls.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:12 am
We decided on our “theme” really early this year (we’re making gift boxes of olive stuff– imported olive oil, fancy olives in jars, olive soap, olive patterned kitchen items, etc, etc, and hand made cards that say “O Joy! O Love! O Live!) so we’ve been buying slowly for months and probably ended up spending almost as much as last year, despite the economic downturn. We were able to buy almost everything (I only had to order the white chocolate with dried olives candy bars) locally and we will be home, maybe doing our gift wrapping, on Black Friday.
I wonder if there will be another stock downturn next monday, as the results of people not shopping start coming in…
November 25th, 2008 at 8:21 am
I feel like people who find themselves living frugal lives look down their noses at people who like to buy things. I understand how consumerism can be a bad thing, but the problem I see is people not being able to afford what they buy, not buying stuff. If people want x,y, and z. I’m all for them getting it, just in a responsible way. That doesn’t bother me.
What makes my skin crawl about Black Friday is that it brings out the worst in people. I work retail, so I see people go crazy for the deals. It really is frightening and looks like the beginning of the fall of civilization each and every year. If there was a way to get the deals without waiting outside in the cold for 4 hours or dealing with the crowds, I would definitely partake in some of the sales. But as it stands, I would rather just save up and pay more for what I really want and avoid the craziness.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Black Friday has become a tradition in our household– at least for us kids. It’s more about the hanging out and bonding (albeit in the freezing cold), but we’ve historically managed to score some pretty decent deals– and in anticipation of that, we save all year.
Normally our pregame routine is pretty set, but this year, however, the products are looking pretty dismal, so we may not even go.
http://renaissancetrophywife.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/black-friday-the-pregame-edition/
November 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
I’m going to have to side with Anne on this one. I understand the idea of not buying anything and “staying away,” but if you’re organized and have planned it right (granted this excludes most of us right away), this is the time to go buy something you were going to get anyway.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I too, hate shopping and crowd. I only buy gifts when I happened to think of or see something that suits the taste of a special friend. Otherwise I just buy gift certificates or even Visa gift cards. If I receive a gift from a friend and have nothing to reciprocate, I’ll just take the friend out to dinner in the near future. I also like to arrive at a party early to help the host preparing meal, or help friends doing house projects.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:48 am
In the past I have looked forward to black Friday as a way to take advantage of sales on clothes and gadgets I want for myself for the next year. Because of the times, I am not going to be participating this year. I always buy the standard presents for the family and will continue to do so. This will I just am not going to treat myself as a way to save that money for another time.
Craig
http://www.budgetpulse.com
November 25th, 2008 at 8:50 am
I would tend to agree with Buy Nothing Day in general, however I feel that now is not the time to be doing that. If we all did that, our economy would collapse. I understand anti-consumerism, and I agree with it, but odds are your well-being and that of your friends and family depend on our economy thriving. And to that end, I encourage everyone to spend a little this holiday season.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:01 am
as a former retail “associate” all i can say is that day is hell. i will NEVER shop on Black friday, its insane and as are the shopers.
the employees are usually overworked, and the shoppers are exhausetd to make it to the 4 am door buster. everyone is in such the ’spirit of giving’ it really kills the holiday for me.
i am very intrested to see how this year will turn out profit wise for the companies however…
November 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I don’t participate in Black Friday, never have. I have a strong allergy to large crowds being a small person. I don’t enjoy shopping that much, and adding chaos to the mix makes it really unpleasant.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I never shopped on Black Friday only because I prefer to sleep in and enjoy the rest of my long holiday weekend. I’m not a mall or department store type person or someone who lusts after items from such mainstream stores and really want to avoid crowds (prefer online shopping, local stores and boutiques, my partner buys all electronics and computer equipment online) so for me, Black Friday is a day of rest or taking a long holiday weekend trip.
I’m not against it, heck, I own an online retail store and HOPE people buy from me this season so I cant be too against shopping!
November 25th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Thank you so much for that link! I’m not ready to abandon all gifts, but I am looking to cut back A LOT, and this is an awesome way to do it! I’m going to post this on my blog as well, and forward it on to everyone in my moms groups!
November 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
This year we’re spending almost double what we spent last year on gifts for Christmas. However, last year we were still working on our debt payoff. Now that’s done, we have additional funds available to buy some more gifts for people we had to skip / skimp last year.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I have never ever participated in a Black Friday event. Unless … everything in the Apple stored is on sale for 70% off. Well … not really.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am
I also hate crowds and the panic attack I would probably have wouldn’t be worth the savings
However I certainly don’t begrudge any well planned conscientious spender from getting a good deal. woohoo!
Let’s see… I already bought my boyfriend’s present (A copy of a new biography of Andrew Jackson) and his birthday present (his birthday is in January) My mom is getting hand knit slipper socks which I need to freaking get started on! And my brother will get season 11 of the Simpsons. I might knit a hat for my dad on Christmas eve, and everyone else is getting cookies, with the recipes for each variety attached.
Oh, and I’m hostessing a ladies holiday brunch the Sunday before Christmas for my girlfriends.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Skip birthdays not Christmas.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I will be skipping Black Friday this year, although I will still be buying a very limited (and scaled back from previous years) number of gifts. Hubby, parents, siblings. That’s it. And nothing over $25. Also, I am trying to make the gifts consumable - something to enjoy, be used up and not have to be stored.
But Black Friday, I will be at home with family, relaxing and not running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off to buy something I can’t afford anyways (actually, I use cash and can’t actually do that, but I digress).
November 25th, 2008 at 10:14 am
BUY NOTHING DAY ROCKS!!! i’m with you on that JD
November 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I really question the findings that people will spend half what they spent last year. How many people really know what they spent last year? How many people really plan (and stick to) their holiday shopping budget??
I am sure we’ll see the same articles in January about people paying for the holidays until March.
I’ll be working on Buy Nothing day - thereby picking up some vacation time to use next year!
November 25th, 2008 at 10:21 am
I’ve skipped Black Friday for years, but this year I will be with my boyfriend’s family in Oregon, and the plan is to go into Ashland for shopping, lunch, and a movie. I have specifically waited to get a few (small) Xmas gifts so that I can buy them in Ashland. They have a wonderful little main street with all kinds of lovely shops; it makes it much more bearable to handle the BF fray if you’re not at a mall! And of course, if I don’t see any gifts that fit my list and my budget, I won’t buy anything.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:28 am
It looks like I’m nearly alone here! I go out for Black Friday every year and I never buy anything (well, rarely).
I go for the sheer craziness of it. Walk into a Best Buy or Walmart to see the best of it. I have no intention of buying anything - all I want to do is see the reactions of the crowds and the retail employees. It makes you feel like you are a part of something.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Doesn’t this seem contrary to frugality? I mean, one of the “tenets” is to shop around and wait for the best deals… and when the best deals come along, you decide to sit it out “on principle”. Am I missing something?
I understand not wanting to get all mixed up in the crazy crowd, but if you were going to be purchasing things anyway, doesn’t it make more sense to save $$?
November 25th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Having lived around the world I have never seen so much consumer craziness as I have on the the derisory day of Black Friday. I’m with you JasonMoran, I love people-watching on Black Friday just to witness the utter absurdity of it all. What I love in particular is when the crowd tries to game which set of doors will be open first. Anyway, happy thanksgiving everyone!
November 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I live in Canada and to be honest I know so many people that make the trip across the border on Black Friday. Personally I wait until the beginning of January because that’s when I have found the best deals. Anyone else notice the same thing?
November 25th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I enjoy driving past BestBuy seeing a long line of people spending the night and freezing for doorbusters that smart shoppers have been buying for the same price or cheaper for several months.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:00 am
This year we are also having a simple, somewhat frugal but meaningful Christmas. Here are the things we are doing:
1. No gifts except for 1 “big” gift that my husband and I are buying together and a few things for our doggie.
2. Picture collage (designed by us, printed at http://www.mpix.com ) Christmas cards to all family and friends. We send up to 100 per year. This is important to us so we can keep in touch.
3. I told my family (about 10 people) that my gift fund is going towards a trip I am planning in the Spring to visit my parents. They were supportive. More improtantly, I told them not to send us any gifts.
4. We are decorating our home but only from what we already have. Actually, except for the LED lights because they save energy up to 80%.
5. Any other gifts will be food that I can make and offer to everyone. I don’t plan to give gifts person by person.
6. We do our shopping in January when everything is almost being given away. This is of course for things we need.
Less stressful, frugal and more meaningful…
I admit I do get caught in the madness but I think I am stronger and wiser now.
-Charlotte
November 25th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I have never shopped on Black Friday. It really seems like such an ugly day from what I have heard from others who shop on that day. Besides, my extended family gets together on the day after Thanksgiving to celebrate Thanksgiving again since everyone has other families to see. I guess I have never really had to buy things that require huge price slashes for Christmas either (I am not into buying huge presents for people, but I also do not have any kids).
November 25th, 2008 at 11:04 am
@Bethh (#42)
The survey doesn’t ask people what they spent last year. Instead, every year it asks people what they plan to spend this year. The numbers in the table are the results for that question going back a decade. I have no idea how much people actually spend compared to what they plan to spend.
@Bill (#39)
Heresy!
Thanksgiving is my favorite “group” holiday of the year, but I hold birthdays sacred! I wish I was more diligent at getting people birthday gifts.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:06 am
I’m already seeing the news stories about the poor retailers and how it’s our patriotic duty to prop up the economy to keep them in business. We’re seeing the results now of peoples’ jobs being dependent on other people borrowing money to buy stuff they didn’t need–it was a pyramid scheme that had to collapse at some point, and it has.
I hope this leads to more talk about people living within their means–I guess they’ll have to, now that access to easy credit has been cut off, and maybe living within their means lasts long enough to become a habit.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:24 am
If you’ve got the time, and have a noise with a bargain, I don’t see what’s wrong with participating in Black Friday. You get things you probably would have ‘needed’ to bought anyway, but for cheap. I don’t get up at 4am and wait outside in line, but usually get to where I want by 9, fend off a little crowd, and save a bunch of money. Not a bad time.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Even though I’m in a country in which we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, I too shall be adhering to Buy Nothing Day, which I try to do almost every day!
November 25th, 2008 at 11:30 am
What if you are thinking of hitting the black friday sales to buy something for yourself? I want/sorta need a laptop so I’ve been keeping my eyes open. If any good sales pop up on Black Friday for laptops I might bite. Other than that, the few times I’ve ventured out were a disappointment. If you don’t go early the shelves will be picked bare of the hot, cheap items by the time you get there.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I can say that I certainly saw tons of cars at the malls this weekend and the cash registers were cha-chinging at their loudest. Maybe people are just attempting to avoid Black Friday but consumerism seemed alive and well, my friends. I Do hope that people are learning to spend only on things they can afford and not just buy due to a sale. But we shall see!
November 25th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I might add that in addition to Buy Nothing Day, I also celebrate National Pie for Breakfast Day.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Most of the “Black Friday bargains” in big retail stores like Best Buy and Circuit City are everyday prices at online stores like Newegg.com or Buy.com or other…
November 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
@ JD
IMHO Birthdays are more for kids.
Christmas and Thanksgiving lend themselves to uniting far-flung family members. However don’t let me veer off-topic.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I never go out on Black Friday. Years ago, when I was in college I worked at WalMart over the holiday season (which for them is August thru December). We stocked all night on Black Friday ( we came in at midnight even tho our regular shift normally began at 10 pm so WM didnt have to pay us OT for working the Holiday)
There were several RV’s camped in the parking lot before we got there at midnight, and by 4 a.m. there were a couple dozen people in line. We were supposed to open at 6, but since some of the night stockers were register trained, they decided to open the doors at 5 a.m.
When they opened the doors, people rushed them and nearly got trampled. Bread machines were the hot item and there were only 10 in the store, so people were actually following folks around who had gotten them and if the person walked away from their carts they would grab the item out of the person’s cart and head for the checkout. I never saw people so mean, so selfish and show complete disregard for the people around them. Whatever happened to being decent?
That was the last Black Friday I ever participated in (1993). Now, I sleep in, I stay home, maybe catch clips of the parade, eat leftovers, etc.
I don’t really agonize too much over christmas. I travel a bit and throughout the year I look for items that are a bit unique that I think the person would like. usually by October I have assembled most of what I am giving to people. This year I am making some crafty type stuff to go along with the things I have already gotten.
November 25th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Thank you for posting this - the timing is impeccable and I’m with you on BND. Although dressing up like a zombie is a bit much (and defeats the purpose unless you’re the sort of person who keeps zombie gear and makeup on hand)…
November 25th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
November 25th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
My tradition, is essentially a buy nothing day (at retail stores anyway). My boyfriend and I have a tradition of getting our christmas tree on Black Friday and spending the day together decorating it and making the house festive for the holidays. This means no buying new ornaments/decorations either, I usually save that for after christmas when the real deals happen.
This way, we avoid the busy parking lots, stores and stressed out people but are still festive in our own way. And of course, have turkey dinner leftovers.
November 25th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I have zero desire to shop on Black Friday. I worked mall retail for years and always dreaded that day. Now I have PTSD (Post Thanksgiving Stress Disorder!)
November 25th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
People spent upwards of $1000 on Christmas presents? Wow. I guess we’ve done that once (last year), but that was a one-off (my wife’s computer was old and dying, so I decided to get her a new one). Normally we only spend $300-$400. There’s usually a few homemade gifts in there (my wife has made a crocheted wrap for her mum, and spun some wool for my mum last year). Then again, I guess my in-laws spend over a thousand every year on Christmas, so maybe I can believe it.
November 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I rarely shop retail period. I will be trolling on “Cyber Monday” to see about purchases I have been putting off and a couple of random Xmas gifts.
As far as my budget, I set aside $ every month and whatever is in that account is what is spent on my list of people. I stretch it out by buying each person/family something and making them something. eg: DH’s sister and husband are getting a cookbook (handmade) and a pair of movie tickets (I get a discount through work). It stretches my money without appearing cheap.
November 25th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Ick. I hate shopping enough with normal crowds (the ONLY exception being a bookstore), let alone with sleep deprived, half-crazed bargain hunters. I’ll be home, cozy warm in my bed, thankyouverymuch. My boyfriend is a much braver soul…he goes out every year trying to find deals on computer stuff.
I often wonder how many people go out on Black Friday and spend ridiculous amounts of money buying stuff that is on sale just because it is on sale and not because they need it or really have an idea of who to give it to (yet)?
My family is also considering going giftless this year. Or doing a combined charity donation.
November 25th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Since Circuit City went under a few months back they have been having sales better than black friday!
November 25th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I’m not planning to shop on Black Friday. I’ll be at work on Thanksgiving and the next day, making triple-time. Even after my 20% 401(k) contribution and taxes, it will be more than enough to cover my holiday shopping, even if I have to pay full price.
Not that I would go shopping even if I weren’t working. I hate shopping and crowds, so Black Friday shopping is kind of my worst nightmare.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Our mortgage will be paid off in March; therefore, we’re going to relax and spend about twice as much as we would normally on Christmas this year.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I forgot to add that all of our purchases will be made with cash. No credit purchases at all. And no venturing out on black Friday!
November 25th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I’ve worked in retail for 15 years, and standing in your store, about to unlock the doors or open the gate on Black Friday is like opening the floodgates to hell. It is a horrible day to work, customers are rude, pushy, cranky, and tired, not to mention most don’t understand the concept of a “doorbuster” (namely that there are very few of these items), and associates are overworked, overstressed, and had to cut their Thanksgivings short because they had to wake up at the crack of dawn to go to work.
The other thing that amuses me about Black Friday is that, in all my years in retail, across a variety of “genres” of stores, it has never been the day with the highest retail sales. That is almost always the Saturday before Christmas. Most places nearly double their “Black Friday” numbers the Saturday (or even a Wednesday, depending on when Christmas falls) before Christmas.
I personally opted out of holiday gift giving all together a few years ago, and most of my family quickly followed suit. I work 50-70 hour weeks in November and December. In retail. The last thing I want to do is shop. We focus on getting the family together and having a nice meal and some time together.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
When I first came to USA from India, I could not wrap my head around the concept of Black Friday - I could not believe that people would stand in line for hours, most of the time in the cold, to BUY stuff. After 10 years in the US, the idea does not seem so crazy any more and I even feel a little curious about the experience. An example of how consumerism slowly pulls you over to the dark side!
Thanks to this timely article and the comments about shopper meanness, I will stay home once again. I guess BF is best experienced vicariously.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I’ve always viewed “black Friday” as something to be avoided.
Like the black plague.
But “Buy Nothing?”
How about a charity based thrift shop, or craigslist from someone trying to raise funds, or your locally owned shop?
I’m conflicted on this one. I follow “The Compact,” (buy nothing new) but also see that some purchasing is necessary to keep the economy afloat.
But up at 4:00 A.M.?
Never. No how. Not if my life depended upon it.
-Katy Wolk-Stanley
The Non-Consumer Advocate
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
http://thenonconsumeradvocate.wordpress.com
November 26th, 2008 at 12:51 am
i can’t stand getting up before 9 or go grocery shopping on the first of the month… i’m surely not doing to do the black friday thing.
i’m seconding the suggestions made by janet, katy, and suec. if you want to ward off these consumer habits, do the opposite. volunteer or donate! do something nice for your family and community. and if you must spend, why not put it where it’ll do some good, like the goodwill, salvation army, out of the closet, etc.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:15 am
I still don’t believe there’s a real recession, considering I went to the mall a WEEK ago and traffic was backed up all the way to the interstate! So I decided to forgo the mall trip and as I was driving past the mall, the entire parking lot was full. And this is the biggest mall in Nashville we’re talking about. I really don’t see the recession around here.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:33 am
I’ve never understood or participated in the Black Friday shopping experience. Even before I changed my personal finance habits spending the day after Thanksgiving with a big crowd fighting over bargains never appealed to me. We will be on vacation the next 4 days so while we’ll be contributing to the economy we won’t be shopping.
November 27th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Well, it is really too bad the the economy has to be terrible in order for consumers to calm down and spend less.
The truth be told, most people’s personal economy is and was ALREADY messed up. Most people live 2 paychecks away from bankruptcy (rather the economy is “good” or “bad”)
So I guess that people have to be living on tuna fish and peanuts before they say to themselves, “hmmmm maybe I shouldn’t buy all of these items”. “Maybe there are other more important things in life”.
You see, regardless of the current situation, consumerism is never good. Which is why I have always supported Buy Nothing day. (without the official name)
November 29th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I made a calendar template for 2009 that is easy to print & make for a frugal gift. I’m making it available for $2 and you can make an infinite # of calendars with it. A good solution for saving money.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Well, I’m appalled, but considering some of the comments here, I guess it’s not too surprising that this year’s Black Friday was actually distinguished by shoppers trampling a Wal-Mart employee to death. The poor man was only a temporary employee, too. And the customers were pissed off that the police were shutting down the store as a result.
J.D., I’m with you. All due respect to Bill @39, but I’d rather buy/make/give someone a birthday remembrance than a Christmas present. I like being able to say that a day is important to me because someone special to me was born on that day. I’m happy to celebrate Christmas by gathering with my family and sharing activities and meals; if I have to choose between marking one day or the other with a present, I’ll choose one person per day, rather than everyone at Christmas. But it’s nice not to have to choose.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
@ La BellaDonna - I cant believe that customers were pissed off that the store was shut down. If I was there (though I would never shop brick and mortar on Black Friday or Wal*Mart at all for that matter) I would have been sickened enough to head straight home after leaving a bouquet in front of the store and later sending money to the family.
What happened to humanity?
December 1st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
@Carla - What happened to humanity?
Apparently, it went on sale.