The hype surrounding Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, seems to get more intense every year, with competitive sales and promotions being offered by big department stores.
Some people will join the pack and wait in line at stores before they even open on Black Friday, while others would rather avoid the crowds and complete their holiday shopping on another day. One thing for sure? People always go crazy over the extremely discounted items being sold in stores.
“Not only do I enjoy shopping on Black Friday because of the great sales, but I also enjoy the pack experience of the event,” said Margo Bernhaut, a sophomore communications major. “I feel like everyone in society is out shopping together on this day of the year.”
Black Friday also marks the official start of the holiday shopping season, according to Bernhaut. It is a great time to start getting gifts for one’s friends and family because of the considerable promotions, deals, and sales that are offered on Black Friday.
Some stores that are well known for their extreme Black Friday deals are Target, Wal-Mart, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Kohl’s. These stores typically begin advertising their Black Friday sales over a month in advance to start stirring up the excitement and thrill of the holiday.
According to Jennifer Vento, a sophomore communications major, her family shops together on Black Friday as a way to bond. Not only do they spend quality time together, but they also get to take advantage of all the savings that department stores have to offer.
“Shopping on Black Friday puts me in the holiday spirit because many stores have Christmas trees and other decorations in preparation for the holidays,” said Vento. “I enjoy shopping on Black Friday, but some people become extremely competitive and go insane over the promotions in the stores.”
While most stores have been extending their Black Friday hours, REI, an outdoor and sporting goods store, has made the daring decision to close the store on Black Friday. This move has both shocked and inspired the public to rethink their plans for this years holiday weekend.
“We believe that being outside makes our lives better. And Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of this essential truth. We're a different kind of company -- and while the rest of the world is fighting it out in the aisles, we’ll be spending our day a little differently. We’re choosing to opt outside, and want you to come with us,” stated Jerry Stritzke, the CEO of REI, in a press release on the store’s website.
According to USA Today, REI has called this campaign the #OptOutside movement and is encouraging people to use the hashtag to share their outdoor adventures from Black Friday on social media. Since REI has a niche market, unlike department stores, the decision will most likely not hurt the retailer’s sales too much.
Regardless of how people choose to spend their holiday weekend, whether it's eating till you bust or shopping till you drop, it is important that they surround themselves with friends and family during this reflective and joyful time of year.
