By: Kristina Mata
In the United States, everyone knows what comes after Thanksgiving- Black Friday, a day of discounts and deals for the holiday season. This American “holiday” has an infamous reputation. Black Friday is the day when uncontrollable mobs of eager shoppers are ready to get their hands on cheap deals for the holiday gifts or even just themselves. But is shopping on Black Friday really worth it?
These mobs have inflicted many injuries on their fellow shoppers and even retail employees over the years. There have even been multiple deaths. For example, in 2008, a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death by the crowd. This reckless customer behavior is obviously dangerous. These accidents have even prompted the creation of a Black Friday Death Counter website. The website counts both deaths and injuries. It also lists the locations and the incidents that occurr. The count for deaths is actually pretty low at seven, but it’s still morbid that the site even exists.
Shoppers are stubborn on Black Friday. They are determined to get what they want and are not always ready to give up an item once it is in their sights. Because of this, they might not realize all the drawbacks of their purchase. For example, not everything is put up for huge discounts. The items that are, the doorbusters, are there to, well, as the name implies, bust the door down. Retailers want to get customers into the store so that they will buy other items at their normal prices. That’s the reality of it. A shopper isn’t going to go out on Black Friday to purchase a single item, but if too much is spent, he might lose more than he saves.
Finally, the fact remains, that the best discounts aren’t even on Black Friday. While, yes, items do get more expensive closer and closer to the holidays, it is better to shop when you probably aren’t even thinking of presents: before Black Friday itself. Many retailers offer good discounts before Thanksgiving, including Best Buy or Macy’s. The goods themselves are priced much cheaper in September and October. like Ugg boots are one example. In these months they were priced at $85, a $50 difference from their Black Friday price of $135. Chances are, you’ll save more money if you buy early.
So is it worth it? Well, it is if you like long lines and huge crowds of shoppers, or if you are willing to fight for that specific soft toy for your sibling or child or the new computer that your brother wants. If you really want to shop under these conditions, then be my guest. However, there are safer, better alternatives. You could shop during Black Friday’s online counterpart, Cyber Monday, or you could shop when prices are lower and crowds are thinner. If you really want to stay safe and save money this holiday season, consider the options.
How about it, Ardrey Kell? Are you really getting your bang for your buck?
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