Customers swarm for Black Friday deals
It’s almost that time of year again. Pushing, determined shoppers, lack of patience and significant sales come to mind. In the investing world, Black Friday refers to the Gold Crisis in 1869 and sometimes the crash of the New York Stock Exchange in 1873. In the retail world, it refers to the kickoff of holiday shopping and the point in which most retailers make the most profit, or “going in the black.”
Jennessa James, an undeclared junior, said the hours of Black Friday are changing dramatically each year along with the lines.
“I work at Pac Sun and I like Black Friday,” James said. “It is worth getting up to me but maybe not so early. Stores opening up at three or four is reasonable. Midnight sounds a little crazy to me. Last year I worked on Black Friday and the line was a little out of control.”
Benjamin Mcvey, a sales associate at Fun Unlimited, said the gameplan of each customer determines their success on Black Friday.
“Black Friday is an awesome day to get the things at a discounted price, as long as you know what you want to get, get there early and endure the crazy shoppers,” Mcvey said.
Mcvey said the best day of the year to purchase socks is the day after Thanksgiving. He said they aren’t cheap these days.
“I don’t worry about buying anything else,” Mcvey said. “I stock up on socks for the year and get out of the chaotic shopping centers.”
William Hansen, a future Aggie, had a different opinion about this shopping event. He does not think dealing with the crazed shoppers, long lines and impatience is worth losing sleep over.
“I think it’s completely ridiculous and I’m going to stay at home and eat leftovers,” Hansen said. “I’ll let my mom do the shopping.”
Meredith Hardy, an undeclared sophomore, said the sales after the holidays are almost always better and the door busters will be everywhere.
“Personally, I don’t think it is worth it because sometimes the sales aren’t that great,” Hardy said. “A lot of stores don’t have their best sales until after Christmas anyways.”
Hardy mentioned swinging by some of the stores and seeing what deals are out there isn’t a bad idea, but holding off until after Christmas might be the wiser choice for the better sales.
“I will go and check out items I am interested in buying, but I watch the prices drop throughout the next month then make my move,” Hardy said.
“Black Friday is the kickoff to the holiday shoppin
g season,” said Danielle Anderson, a human resource management graduate. “People get really excited and crazy to get the deals they have seen advertised.”
Anderson works in retail and said how exciting it is to have so many people to help out in one day – that is, if they remember sales associates all around are willing to lend a helping hand.
“This is a great day for retail,” Anderson said. “If the shoppers simmer down and realize we are here to help, a lot can be accomplished on both ends.”
Matthew Strang, an undeclared sophomore, said he’s leaning toward staying at home on Black Friday.
“Black Friday is just an excuse for people to come out and try to get the sales with hundreds of other people doing the exact same thing,” Strang said.
Strang said he thinks if something is a good deal, it should have a good price all year round.
“After a day of telling people how thankful we are, we are willing to trample each other to death to save 10 percent,” Strang said. “I think if something is a good deal, it’s a good price all year round, it’s not worth it.”
T.J. Guinn, a freshman, has had experience working in retail during the annual event. He said experiencing a stressful, negative Black Friday could permanently change post-Turkey Day traditions.
“I personally don’t think Black Friday is worth it, mostly because I have worked the retail for it,” Guinn said. “I guess it’s good for the companies, but ethically I’m not sure about it. I’m not a big fan of Black Friday, but I also don’t own a massive corporation.”
– staceyw459@gmail.com