One Week...and counting.

To those who are either unfamiliar with or simply unconcerned about the events which will transpire one week from today - I'm sorry.

Black Friday is considered the first "official" shopping day of the holiday season. It occurs on the Friday following Thanksgiving and has become the MOST profitable shopping day for both retailers and shoppers alike.

Retailers:

The reason for its unique name "black" is because on this turkey-hangover of a day, nearly every retail business watches gleefully as their Quickbooks spreadsheets go from red (debt) to black (profit). Most businesses, from what I have read and heard, go an entire year on the brink of financial catastrophe, only to be plucked from the jaws of bankruptcy and plopped in the relm of profitability within a span of less than 24 hours. Miraculous.

Shoppers:

We the people have a choice. As much as I'd like to explain to you my thoughts about this fantastic day, some of you, enter wife, will have none of it; And that's ok. Be it the crowds, the unholy hour of the morning, or the simple belief that no EARTHLY product is that important - you will be in BED. Content.

But the REST of us, an ARMY of consumers - most of us bargain hunters since the womb, will rise from our slumber at that same unholy hour, some from sleeping bags on cold hard asphalt, and claim not only our prize, but more importantly, a memory. You see my friends, its not just about the ridiculously good deals on products you may or may not want, its about EQUALITY. Yes, you read me correctly. For 364(5) days out of the year - the line between the "haves" and "have-nots" has been firmly drawn by socioeconomic status.

Now remember, I do NOT condone going into debt. It is an unfortunate circumstance which stems from poor spending habits, among other things, and is facilitated by the credit card. Now don't get me wrong, there are NECESSARY expenses which are obviously beyond some peoples control, and life as we know it would be much more difficult if you had to, for example, have $15,000 is cold hard cash before you could buy your entry level economy car. These expenses are not what I'm talking about. You might notice that I used the word "want", NOT "need", in the paragraph above. I am a firm believer in spending within ones limits, and if you are a good steward with your money, this is the time where you can get more bang for your hard-earned buck.

Where was I, ah yes, the "haves" and "have-nots". The "haves" are those who must have WHAT they want, WHEN they want it. In the retail sense, this usually means a premium on the price of product "X". They are paying for the privilege of getting it first, whatever "it" is, regardless of the thinning effect this might have on their wallet. This is where it gets personal: I am a have-not, in certain aspects, and fine with it. Likewise, I am a bargain hunter at heart and enjoy the thrill of a good find for a great price - as if this thesis of a blog hasn't given that away already. Often, especially during the holidays, I must fight off the temptation to fall into a third category of consumer called the "can't-haves". These are the people who go "window-shopping" and "look, but never buy". Constantly tempting themselves with products they don't need and most certainly can't afford. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with any one sub group, but its the mindset which leads to problems further down the road. I'll leave you the reader to figure out what happens to someone who always gets what they want and someone who never does. Here's a hint: Selfishness, Greed, Lust, Jealousy, ...etc.

And so my point:

On the glorious day called Black Friday, you are given the opportunity to witness the blurring of that socioeconomic line. The sales don't start until the doors open - at which point "All Men are Created Equal". The 50in. plasma TV which 3 years ago sold for more than $10,000 dollars could be purchased for $899 by anyone with enough drive and determination, regardless of whether you're a "have", "have-not", or "can't have". It's not just the large items either, although those get the most attention; DVD's for $3 dollars - and not just last year's extra inventory. There is something for everyone and the impossible becomes possible for those who are patient and believe. My bias is towards electronics, but the same could be said about any department, from Women's Apparel to Home Furnishing, even Kitchenware ;) To miss such a triumphant shopping event, even though most purchases fall under the category of binge spending, would be a monumental mistake. Make it an experience, bring the family, it only comes once a year. And if it's still not your cup of tea, I'm sorry. Enjoy my side of the bed.

To read about last years experience, visit my archives and go to November of 2007.