Employees give inside scoop on the day after Thanksgiving
hospital wasn’t an option if it meant missing out on deals that only come once a year.
It was the day after Thanksgiving, the biggest shopping day of the year for both consumers and retailers and it wasn’t until Wal-Mart associates promised the pregnant woman her cart full of merchandise at sale price that she finally agreed to get out of line and go to the emergency room.
Ronda Egbert, who witnessed the whole situation a few years ago in the Orem Wal-Mart, said people don’t act like they normally do when shopping means slashed prices, one-time specials and limited products.
“I’ve seen fist fights and people being pushed and shoved,” said Egbert, who now works at the Logan Wal-Mart as the photo department manager. “People act crazy and practically form mosh pits to get the stuff.”
Each year stores begin opening their doors around 5 a.m. to kick off the Christmas season. It’s a competitive day for customers who often line up hours before and wait to join in on the retail rush.
Tim Ryan, Best Buy assistant manager, said when he arrived to work at 3 a.m. last year, people were sleeping outside the electronics store with sleeping bags and space heaters as if they were waiting to buy concert tickets.
“Good deals the day after Thanksgiving has become a tradition in the retail industry and shoppers know it,” he said.
For customers, this means rising before dawn to get in on what some consider shopping madness. This year, beginning at 3:30 a.m., Best Buy associates will be handing out tickets for doorbusters to customers in line as well as credit card applications for those who come and see good deals and can’t pass them up with or without cash.
Ryan admits the day can get pretty crazy, but is pleased that Best Buy has never had to call an ambulance for customers. Spencer Bawden, on the other hand, who once saw a woman get smashed against a window and break her nose at Target, knows what it’s like when people get injured in the dash for doorbusters. Even though blood was getting everywhere, Bawden said employees had a hard time stopping the woman because she still wanted to shop.
“The day after Thanksgiving brings out a difference in human emotions,” said Bawden, who now works in customer service at ShopKo. “It’s one of those sights you have to see.”
Some people join in on the shopping spree for that very reason, said Egbert. It’s an exciting adrenalin rush and many people seem to enjoy the craziness.
“Everyone feeds on everyone,” she said, noting that manufacturers seem to add to the frenzy by making and sending limited amounts of merchandise. “It’s like a treasure hunt and they’ve found the treasure.”
This year’s big buys
Each year there seems to be a craze for a certain items, whether it be Tickle-Me-Elmos, Furbees or iPods. This year, Ryan said mega amounts of money will be spent on gaming products and accessories since Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii are both released this weekend.
Worldwide hype has been built with the release of the new systems and manufacturers estimate $11.9 billion will be spent on gaming between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Ryan said.
He added that flat panel TVs such as LCDs and plasmas will also be hot this year, along with digital music players.
Tickle-Me-Elmo may also make a comeback as the stuffed animal famous for its wiggles and giggles is re-released for its 10-year anniversary, Bawden said. People always go crazy for them he said, making it one of ShopKo’s frequent sell-out items.
And, of course, people will always go for what’s free. Beginning at 5 a.m., collectible Disney snowglobes will be handed out to each customer at JCPenney, said Laura Moore, who works in customer service at the department store.
“People always like free stuff and it’s Mickey Mouse!” Moore said.
Shopping Suggestions
Egbert admits that sometimes the scene can be disturbing as people get greedy and demanding. Bawden agrees, saying although it’s exciting, the day after Thanksgiving is sad as it becomes so commercial and the spirit of giving and joy fades to the back of customers’ minds.
The day will be insane so people should grab what they want and hold on tight, said Bret Berntson, who works in Wal-Mart electronics. Hands will be everywhere as they snatch, seize and smack, so Berntson suggests being careful when the shoppers get really hectic.
Come early, wear layers and have a plan, said Ryan. Bawden agreed, adding the day after Thanksgiving is a day of strategy.
“Dress warm and don’t bring the kids,” said Justin Reeves, a JCPenney customer service employee.
Or, there’s always the option of not going shopping at all and staying home and eating pizza, said Egbert, who mentioned she’s never seen anything at Wal-Mart or other stores that has been worth getting into fights over.
Beware of the angry customers, said Chris Ruquet, who works at Radio Shack in the mall. He said in the past, he’s worked at Home Depot and employees often referred to the day after Thanksgiving as “Black Friday” when shoppers are “evil beyond all reason.”
And, if possible, have a good time.
“It should be fun because you’re saving money,” Moore said.