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Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday

JANUARY 1966 -- "Black Friday" is the name which the Philadelphia Police Department has given to the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. It is not a term of endearment to them. "Black Friday" officially opens the Christmas shopping season in Center City, Philadelphia, and it usually brings massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing. (info on Wikipedia)

I thought this morning I would experience Black Friday for myself. There were a few items at Staples that I wanted, that was, fairly cheep. I woke up this morning at 4:22 am. (no alarm) I thought I might as well see what its all about. I got dressed and headed out the door. When I arrived at Staples, there was already a line. It was a pretty short line, 20 or so people sitting there. I started chatting with folks. The very first guy said that he spent the night, he said he had arrived there at 11pm last night. The night was very cold, (for here) it was 45 degrees. I worked my way to the back of the line.

Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, they were all talking some were talking about Target across the street. How the line was wrapped around the store and back two blocks down the street. Others were talking about what they were going to buy this morning.
I was talking to a family from Michigan, that said at least it wasn't snowing. They said they do this every year. They were down for vacation, the mother said, this is the warmest weather she has stood in. I told her it was freezing and she and the family laughed at me.

The doors opened up just a few minutes late, and the crowd was getting grumpy. As we all were herded into the store I started mooing. People around me started laughing.

Everyone walked, there was no pushing, no stampede, just laughing from my mooing sounds. After we were in the store, I went to my destination, and picked up my items and went to the register. I was basically in and out with in a few minutes. My co-workers said I was nuts to be out this morning. I did not think so, I picked up two x-mas presents for less than I would have spent on one item. I thought it was worth my time.

If your going out today to shop, just allow yourself extra time. If people cut you off, take a deep breath, and relax and go on.
Allen

4 comments:

Lynda said...

You are funny. My plan last night was not to see any "a.m." earlier than 7 today. We looked at all the sale ads and didn't see anything we thought worth waking up early for - - - especially since it said "while supplies last" at most places. Staples did have an 8 GB Flashdrive for about $13 that I considered - - - but knew there would be other sales. From here until the middle of January, I will try to avoid any major shopping areas during the busiest times of day. I am not a Scrooge but prefer to think I arrange my shopping in a manner that best conserves my energy for something I REALLY enjoy doing - - - like reading or sending out Christmas greetings by snail mail.

Anonymous said...

I'm working so I'll miss all the craziness. But that's okay. Yesterday afternoon, I saw people camped out at Best Buy. Already waiting in line for the store to open at 6am this morning. No thanks!

Pat said...

I haven't fought the crowds in years. With the economy there seems to be a lot of sales throughout the months before Christmas.

There was sort of an adventurous feeling when I DID get up early and faced the crowds.

Moo indeed!

Sunny said...

I'm glad you got what you wanted. I have no desire to battle the crowds, especially in the middle of the night! LOL
Sunny :)

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