Picture this: Snowflakes falling outside, a piping hot coffee in your hand, decorated Christmas trees, live Christmas music playing in the background, your best friend by your side, a hearty breakfast waiting in the wings, jolly shoppers bustling around you, and huge flashing sale signs everywhere you turn. No, this isn't a dream. This is what Black Friday shopping can be. It doesn't have to be a nightmare. While there are crazy stories every year about fights and beleaguered retail workers being forced to work, Black Friday shopping can actually be a fun and beneficial day for all involved.
You get your shopping done at once.
For many people, November and December are the busiest months of the year. There is so much to do between holiday parties, baking, decorations, and, of course, gift buying. But what if you could get all the gift buying done and out of the way in one day — and at a discount? Worth it? Yes. With proper planning, you can hit every store you need on Black Friday without worrying about closing times. Most are actually open all weekend. Black Friday is the day to literally shop until you drop and get most or all of your holiday gift buying done, so you have the rest of the season to enjoy with family and friends, without stressing over gifts.
You get the hottest items before they sell out.
Typically there are a few hot items every holiday season that are sure to sell out quickly and be gone until after the big day. Shopping on Black Friday gives you the best chance to get your hands on the newest and greatest thing that's all the rage this year. If you check out with it, it's yours. It won't be a canceled order, which can happen when shopping online.
You get into the holiday spirit and carry on a tradition.
Sure, some people are rude and pushy, but for the most part, shoppers are having fun with it.
Photo credit: davidf/istockphotoThe crowds tend to be cheerful, the stores and malls are decked out in their holiday glory, Christmas music is on full blast, and there is holiday cheer everywhere you look. If this doesn't get you in the holiday spirit, what will?
For many, the annual Black Friday shopping spree has become a tradition. You'll see parents and kids, best friends, and spouses shopping together. And the stories of the bargains they score will live on for years to come. Cap off the outing with a nice breakfast to commemorate all your savings.
You can save money with 'doorbusters' and store giveaways.
Every year retailers outdo themselves trying to lure consumers to their stores, with prices often the lowest of the year. These days, you can often get the savings you want if you go online. But some of the best Black Friday deals are available only to those who brave the crowds.
Not only are sales impressive to begin with, but many stores offer doorbusters and giveaways to lure even more people. These are typically reserved for the first shoppers through the doors before supplies run out, so be sure to head out early to snatch up any you want.
You can find deals on unexpected items.
Need a new refrigerator or other large appliance? Can you hold out until Black Friday?
Photo credit: alvarez/istockphotoYou are sure to find rock-bottom prices on furniture, appliances, and more big-ticket items that you might not consider among the normal Black Friday mix of gift items.
You can see the items before you buy.
Sure, Black Friday means long lines and crowds, but so does the rest of the holiday shopping season. And shopping in person on Black Friday gives you the advantage of trying items on, touching them, and seeing them up close, while shopping online on Cyber Monday is sometimes a guessing game. This way you at least avoid getting a gift you would need to return because the quality isn't what you expected. Shopping in the store on Black Friday means you at least know exactly what you're getting. No surprises.
You avoid shipping.
Shopping in the store means no shipping fees or waiting for gifts to arrive. Black Friday gives you the benefit of avoiding shipping costs as well as the instant gratification of taking your items home with you that same day.
You boost the economy and help retail employees earn a living.
The name "Black Friday" had somewhat negative connotations at first. In the past, it was a term used by the Philadelphia Police Department to describe its worst day of the year. No officer was allowed to call off, and all were scheduled in order to help control traffic and keep the crowds under control on the city's biggest shopping and college football day of the year.
Photo credit: eclipse_images/istockphotoMore recently, retailers everywhere have embraced the term and refer to it as an accounting holiday when they tip from the "red" to the "black" for the first time during the year. According to the National Retail Federation, Black Friday 2017 was a strong year for the retail economy, with over 174 million shoppers spending an average of $335.47 per person. This year should be no different. In fact, holiday spending is predicted to top $1 trillion for the first time ever.
Yes, there are plenty of people who protest Black Friday and the practice of forcing employees to skip time with loved ones in order to work the holiday. But oftentimes these employees are earning extra holiday pay, which helps them support and provide for themselves and their families.
