Any Black Friday anecdotes?

[devil21]

I went out this afternoon to check out the sales on TVs at Walmart and Best Buy. While I went later (5pm) than the usual morning rush I was somewhat surprised to see both stores fairly quiet for a Black Friday. Best Buy's register line was only about 10 people deep and not all registers were open. Walmart had a lot of lookers but not many buyers at the registers. Also no front door loadings of large items (tvs, appliances, etc) were observed at either store and that's a first for me. I didn't find any good deals (advertised "doorbuster deals" are mostly a scam fyi) and came home empty handed, except for a new $5 electric toothbrush and some body wash.

Any other observations good, bad or indifferent about today's shopping climate?


(Btw, I'm wondering about the "Saturday Only" deals I saw advertised in the newspaper. How can the stores offer up better prices on Saturday if they sold out of the product on Friday? Or is it that they didn't sell at Friday's price so they drop prices a bit more on Saturday?)

 

[tmosley]

I didn't go. I'm saving money for investment rather than blowing it on fancy electronics. I'll buy them at 85% off of 85% off during their liquidation sales. I don't think I'll have to wait long.

 

[cska80]

I didn't go, but I work at GNC. Apparently no one gave a shit about supplements and vitamins on Black Friday because it was uber dead.

 

[LiveFree79]

I didn't go, but I work at GNC. Apparently no one gave a shit about supplements and vitamins on Black Friday because it was uber dead.

Haha that doesn't surprise me one bit. In all honesty I have no idea how GNC even stays in business nowadays. They are ALWAYS dead and last time I was in one was a over a year ago. They are overpriced anyways and anyone can find much better deals on the internet.

 

[Sarge]

Our son in Denver said Bed Bath and Beyond was very busy. He stood from 6am to 10pm handing out 20 percent off coupons. Not his normal job there.

I am guessing that it will be reported that Black Friday sales are up. But, profits were down due to heavy discounting. Just my guess.

 

[Jeez]

Best buy was crowded beyond belief far worse than last year IMO was planning to get micro sd card, at 9o clock there was traffic jam just to get into the parking spot i did not even bother going there. Early consensus is store traffic is higher than last year but the big question will it last leading into christmas.

 

[mtj458]

I think during a recession you could end up with higher than average sales because more people are putting off their purchases to days with the best discounts.

 

[LiveFree79]

Best buy was crowded beyond belief far worse than last year IMO was planning to get micro sd card, at 9o clock there was traffic jam just to get into the parking spot i did not even bother going there. Early consensus is store traffic is higher than last year but the big question will it last leading into christmas.

Yeah I don't think from now until Christmas you'll see retail sales up. I think most people did their xmas shopping yesterday. Overall I think retail sales will be down going into the new year.

 

[Working Poor]

I think black Friday was a little gray this year. I think more people are worried about paying their bills than going shopping for the pagan indulgence this year.

 

[LibForestPaul]

I can tell you from friend who works at high-end store ($400 kids boots, $90 hoodies) that there is no black Friday special. Some little bs sale during Hanuka, but that is it. Business as usual.

 

[ingrid]

I went to one of the local malls and it was hard to find a parking spot. It was packed!

Only picked up two items. Was interested in a few things, but there wasn't much of a sale.

 

[eric_cartman]

my mom drove south of the boarder to Buffalo to go shopping for the day

 

[tmosley]

Went to Walmart this afternoon. It was pretty empty, despite sales still being on.