Black Friday, once a day of frenzied shopping, has lost its luster for many consumers. The crowds, the chaos, and the artificial sale prices have led many to reconsider their participation. While it’s great to “shop local,” Black Friday is one day when it might be best to stay home and plan a better strategy for holiday shopping.
The term Black Friday was first used to describe the financial crisis of 1869. In the 1950s, it emerged again to describe the high incidence of employees calling in sick to extend their Thanksgiving holiday. In the 1960s, police officers used it to describe the chaos of shoppers taking advantage of post-Thanksgiving sales. By the 1970s, the term was widespread and came to mean the point when local businesses shifted from being in the red (loss) to the black (profit).
Here are some compelling reasons why you might want to skip Black Friday altogether:
The Crowds and Chaos
- Safety: Large crowds can pose safety risks. As people are pushed together, there is also the potential for tempers to flare.
- Stress: The hectic atmosphere can be overwhelming and stressful, taking the joy out of holiday shopping.
Artificial Sales
- Teasers: Merchants often advertise specific items at very low prices just to get people in the door — a low-end laptop for a few hundred dollars, for example. Once inside, shoppers feel compelled to buy several other items.
- False Discounts: Merchants will slowly raise prices on popular items in the weeks before Black Friday, then mark them “on sale” at the original price. Since people focus on the discount, they don’t notice the sale price is about the same as it was a month ago.
- Limited Availability: Popular items may sell out quickly, leaving you with fewer options.
Sustainable Shopping
- Mainly Shopping for Ourselves: While Black Friday sales work on the premise of saving money on holiday gifts, most people end up shopping for themselves.
- Clutter: Excessive consumption leads to clutter. Consider giving a single, well-thought-out gift for each recipient rather than multiple items that pile up.
- Environmental Impact: The excessive consumption associated with Black Friday contributes to environmental problems.
- Ethical Considerations: Consider supporting companies with ethical and sustainable practices.
Cyber Monday — the Black Friday of Online Shopping
- Similar Deals: Cyber Monday often offers comparable deals to Black Friday, without the crowds.
- More Relaxed Shopping: Enjoy a more leisurely shopping experience from the comfort of your home.
- Sustainability: Browse online for ideas, then shop locally on another day to support local businesses and save on fuel. Call ahead to see if they have what you’re looking for.
Alternative Shopping Strategies
- Plan Ahead: Just like Santa Claus, make a list and check it twice. Write down the people you want to give gifts to and, over time, think about something meaningful for each person. Even gift cards can be meaningful if they’re for stores or restaurants the recipient truly enjoys.
- Small Business Saturday: Support local businesses and their unique finds. Their prices tend to be more honest and their products better quality.
- Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops: Discover unique and everyday items at a fraction of the cost.
- Online Marketplaces: Explore platforms like Etsy for handmade and vintage items.
By skipping Black Friday, you can avoid the stress and potential pitfalls of traditional holiday shopping. Consider alternative strategies that align with your values and bring more intention — and joy — to the season.
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