Thinking Through Black Friday (Thursday?!) Shopping
Over the last few weeks I’ve seen more and more friends post things about boycotting Black Friday because it’s starting Thanksgiving evening now instead of actually on Friday. I have a friend who got a seasonal part-time job that she needed at one of these stores; so I don’t mind the “spirit of commercialism†if it’s helping people make ends meet.
Back in 2011 during Jeanne’s first visit to Texas over Thanksgiving I told her how I was planning on going to Sears at four in the morning Black Friday to get my mother-in-law a new dishwasher for Christmas. Yes, I know a dishwasher isn’t a “needâ€, but when you’re a widow living by yourself it’s definitely an item that makes life easier. Jeanne told me she loved Black Friday shopping and offered to come with me; so a tradition was born.
Last year the main item we were looking for was a Kindle for my dad. Yes, I know that’s also not a “need†but my mom was getting annoyed that he kept borrowing her Nook. 😉 So last year we started by going to Staples at 5am. This year’s big item is new luggage since ours is falling apart already. I’m sure in future years we’ll be replacing our mattress or our refrigerator. Except for the one “big item†the rest of our shopping is usually getting smaller things. Some DVDs, a mattress pad for our son’s bed, winter coats, new jeans, etc. Jeanne’s list also includes smaller items since she has to fly back home with her purchases. I was even thinking this year we could get some toys on sale to donate to “Toys for Tots†and “Operation Christmas Childâ€. We go shopping for a few hours; maybe stop for a coffee break, and then get breakfast tacos at Fuzzy’s before we head home.
Our family is usually done with Thanksgiving things by 6pm so going shopping at 8pm Thanksgiving night doesn’t screw up our family time together. Okay, Tiff, you like Black Friday shopping, Thanksgiving is “over†before 8pm, so why do you care if it starts on Thursday? WHY!?!? Because it’s screwing up my entire plan! I have no idea if Jeanne and I should go out Thursday night and not even bother go out Friday morning; or wait until Friday morning and risk it being an exercise in futility. I know there are good deals on Cyber Monday, so it’s possible I can get everything we’re looking for the same (or better) prices then; but I like going out shopping on Black Friday. I know some people hate shopping; but for me it’s fun. Especially if I can find a good deal I wasn’t expecting. It’s fun to go with another person who likes shopping (remember, we are the people who flew to Minnesota to see the Mall of America) and it’s also nice to go out for breakfast and not have to make it the morning after Thanksgiving.
I think I’m leaning towards risking going out only on Friday morning. I know many items may be gone already; but that’s usually electronics we’re not looking for (flatscreen TVs, laptops, tablets, etc). I’m not anticipating a huge rush on luggage or clothes. DVDs and toys that are sold out I can also look for online Cyber Monday. I think if everyone goes out Thursday evening; the stores will be nice and empty early Friday morning. I may change my mind 10 times over the next 10 days, and if our refrigerator does go out between now and then that will change our priorities; but for now that’s what I want to do.
Thoughts?
—————–
What did you think of this post? Give us a +1 above or leave a comment! And don’t miss out on any of Jeanne & Keri’s adventures and tips. You can now subscribe via E-Mail or RSS Feed and follow us on twitterand Facebook.
Sometimes when you comment, it goes to a blank page and looks like it doesn’t post. It actually does, I promise!
Any thoughts on the best deals for luggage based on the ads out for Black Friday?
I’m still sifting through it all. Our #1 priority right now are new carry-ons (ours are literally falling apart); but we’re looking for bags with a full warranty (if possible) and side handles. There are lots of options on sale at department stores; but most of them don’t have the full warranty we’re looking for.
I think this is a sign we should also write about the best deals coming up when all the ads are released 😀
I think so too. =)
Last Black Friday, I skipped the Thursday evening sales. I went to Walmart at 7 a.m. Emptiest I have ever seen my Wal-Mart. More employees than people shopping.