This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

To Shop or Not to Shop?

Black Friday appeals to some; to others, not so much

On Thursday, families across the country will have something in common: they’ll be gathered around a dinner table surrounded by family, turkey and pumpkin pie.  What they may not have in common are their plans for Black Friday, the busiest holiday shopping day of the year.

Throughout history, days associated with the word “black” usually represent catastrophes. Think “Black Tuesday” for instance, the day that the stock market crashed in 1929.

To the shoppers that deal with the crowded malls, impossible parking situations, stampedes and fights that sometimes occur, Black Friday may also have negative connotations. In 2008, three deaths were attributed to the shopping frenzy. A Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death in New York and two people were shot and killed in an argument at a Toys "R" Us in California. Such occurrences, however, are rare.

Find out what's happening in Ashburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For retailers–and economists eyeballing the first significant test of the always-overestimated expectations of the holiday season–Black Friday carries with it great potential: boosting their books and landing in the black at the end of the day.

The question is: Are people willing to put themselves through the madness to get a deal?

Find out what's happening in Ashburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“No freaking way,” said Jessica Booth.  “I just don't have the stamina, mentally or physically, to take all the crowds, lines and rudeness anymore.”

“Absolutely not,” said Lisa Huettner.  “I did it once and swore I would never do it again. It's amazing how saving a few bucks makes people behave."

Some people will opt to shop online this year or at off times to get their holiday shopping done.

“I can't stand the crowds or rude people,” said Tammy St. Peter. “I like Cyber Monday.”

Others remarked on the true meaning of Christmas.

“I think Christmas has lost its meaning when people become greedy or crazy over getting that right gift when they need to put more thought and creativity into it,” said Mandy Stetson.

But there are others to whom the bargains offered on Black Friday have not lost their appeal.

“With my kids being so little and us being on a budget, I pick out the toys with the best prices in the catalogs and go there,” said Suzanne Minskey.  “I shop for everyone on the same day and bring an envelope with cash. When the cash is gone, I'm done.”

“I am a penny pincher and don’t like to pay full price for anything,” said Ashley Cleary.

Others enjoy the thrill.

“I love talking to all the crazy people in line and making new friends,” said Mandy Fremd.

For those who like the deals enough to tolerate the crowds, this year’s Black Friday should be interesting. Many stores have turned it into a 24-hour shopping experience, opening their stores at midnight on the 25th, or earlier.

If you opt to stay home instead of shopping on Friday, don’t worry.  Many retailers are also offering online bargains. Stress eliminated ... except maybe for the shipping. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?