Toreros take on Black Friday

Bringing in the holiday season with a busy day of bargain hunting

Regina Gaffney / Contributor / The USD Vista 

As Thanksgiving dinner comes to an end, dishes are being washed and family sits around the living room continuing to tell stories and share laughter. Many see this as a time to relax and possibly enjoy another slice of pumpkin pie. But for others, it’s almost time to go. 

Lines have been forming for days; tents are being torn down and parking lots begin to fill. As the later evening approaches, shoppers are getting ready to head into stores and rush to the items on their extensive holiday lists. 

Black Friday is one of the busiest days for shopping in the United States. For many Americans, this day represents the first day of the holiday shopping season.Traditionally, stores would not open their doors until around 6 a.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving. That time has become earlier and earlier as the years go by. Black Friday shopping was taken to another level in 2011, though, when large retailers like Target and Best Buy began opening their doors at midnight after Thanksgiving. Since then, stores have been opening their doors earlier to shoppers on the evening of Thanksgiving. 

Sophomore Hanka Eichelberger spoke about her shopping experience on this year’s Black Friday. She decided to go out at 7:30 a.m. on the morning after Thanksgiving. In a time span of five hours, she was able to shop at several stores, including Target and HomeGoods. While she was able to save some money purchasing things she needed for herself, Eichelberger’s main purpose for Black Friday shopping was to purchase Christmas gifts for family and friends.

“For a lot of people, especially college students and those with lower incomes, the available amount of money to spend on Christmas gifts is not very high,” Eichelberger said. “Personally, it seems worth it to brave the masses so I can get everything I need to for family and friends without completely busting my budget.” 

While Black Friday can be seen as the beginning of getting into the giving spirit of the holidays, others are not as supportive of the day. Senior Jason Cruz chooses not to participate in Black Friday shopping.

“I see how it can be good,” Cruz said. “You want to give to the ones you care about and make them happy, but it’s just annoying that it has to be done on Thanksgiving night.”

Since retailers began pushing opening times earlier, employees are not able to spend much time at home for the holidays. Some employees do not have a choice in working the crazy shopping day and cannot take a day off. While some argue that systematic commercialism is to blame for the crazy few days of shopping, others believe that shoppers are the ones who continue to fuel the need for deals.

Cruz comments on the duration of time shoppers spend in store on Black Friday.

“It’s strange to see some people spending an entire day being grateful for the things they have and a few hours later, going out to fight over a TV,” Cruz said.

In some cases, shoppers can get very aggressive while trying to get the best deals. Injuries can occur if multiple people are attempting to get the last item in a store or by the frantic mobs rushing through aisles. 

As technology grows and retailers are increasing their online presence, Cyber Monday and online shopping in general continues to grow in popularity. When asked if she participated in Black Friday Shopping, senior Lauren Ripandelli said she only chose to participate in Cyber Monday. 

“Shopping online is more convenient and you’re practically getting the same deals, if not better, without having to wait in line or deal with the large crowds,” Ripandelli said.

As more people are choosing to shop from home, online retailers can increase discounts to ensure that customers are still choosing to buy their products. To some, spending a few hours online buying gifts is preferable to possibly spending double that for the same items in stores. 

Eichelberger commented on her participation in Cyber Monday.

“It seems like a waste of time, having to go out to get the same things that you can get any other day of the week or online,” Eichelberger said. “But sometimes, if you can get the bigger deal, it definitely seems worth it.” 

Another form of shopping practiced on Black Friday is ordering products online and then picking them up in stores on Thursday or Friday. This can ensure that a shopper will get the product they want at the discounted price but also includes the personal experience of going into the store to pick it up. 

No matter how one chooses to do their shopping, the holidays are right around the corner. Decorative pumpkins are being put away and new holiday decorations are out on display, especially in shopping malls and stores, where lights and wreaths have been hung to help get shoppers into the holiday spirit. After two of the busiest shopping days of the year, people are getting a start on purchasing gifts for family and friends. While stores may not continue with the long hours and extreme discounts, the spirit of giving and gratitude will still be felt during this time of year.