Shopping on Black Friday

People line up as far as the eye can see. The sun has not yet glimpsed the horizon, but these people are ready to shop. I worked in retail for many years as an assistant manager of a large department store. Black Friday was the most dreaded day of the year as a retail employee. Every hour we had special after special. One particular sale led to an emergency 911 call due an elderly lady hitting someone over the head with a blunt object. They were litterally fighting over a scooter!

If you have ever worked in retail, you know it is all about the hype and the build up for the customers. Our store had sales every week. But we advertised for Black Friday in a way that people thought the world would end if they didn't come in and shop. Our registers were manned by every available cashier and bagger available. The retail floor was manned with floor associates who would monitor the sale items, restock, refold, and remerchandise. Items literally flew off the shelves in our store.

The funny thing about Black Friday is that it is no different than any other shopping day as far as sales go. I will admit there might be a few more specials running. But, most stores run the same specials randomly throughout the month anyways. People just don't bother to read the ads.

The sense of ugency is another factor that plays into the madness of Black Friday. It is finally a realization that people are limited to less than thirty days that they can finish up their Christmas shopping. I have honestly never been shopping on Black Friday, I have only worked at the stores and seen the madness it creates. I will avoid shopping on that day if at all possible.

If you do feel a need to venture out that day. Take my advice. Dress lightly and watch your back. You never know when some old lady might just hit you over the head to grab the new Playstation 3 from your cart!! But most of all, keep your eye out for the real bargains.