Happy Shopping Day!

November 22, 2012

By Elisa Krovblit

Turkey and Football on Thursday and then an entire day devoted to shopping insanity on Friday – I think the Americans are on to something with Thanksgiving and Black Friday. While Canadian Thanksgiving a month ago gave me my fill of turkey – I made two 24 pound birds and fed everyone I know and then was invited over for to-fur-key with veggie stuffing the next night – I just can’t help but be envious of the sales!!!!

Black Friday has been on record as the busiest shopping day of the year in the States, and is considered the official kick-off of holiday shopping madness. Some say the day got its name because it’s the day many retailers will see the profits – get in the black – for their fiscal year. So it’s a celebration for retailers and shoppers alike, WIN-WIN!!!!

But it’s not all free-flying credit cards and foot-long receipts. There have been casualties reported in throngs that have crushed innocent shoppers in the rush to the bargain tables when doors open to long line-ups. There are stories this year about people that have been camped out in front of some stores all week long. These shoppers are focussed, dedicated and on a mission. Frankly, I prefer a more lofty shopping experience – but a 90 per cent off, one-day-only sale might change my perspective.

I don’t know how Americans handle the shopping pressure. It’s hard enough to go bargain-hunting on Boxing Day – when I’m all shopped out and my wishlist is at its annual low after all the present giving and Olympic-sport-shopping I’ve been doing over the past month. But to have at it for only 24 hours when I have a whole home to shop for – er, I mean when I have all these family and friends to shop for – would have to involve some seriously intricate planning and an iron stomach, and a lot of online shopping too!

What I’ve noticed this year is that Canadian retailers are getting in the game.  I’m getting e-blasts for online shopping Black Friday deals and seeing the ads in the newspaper and magazines. While I don’t think the extent of the savings is quite the same and I don’t foresee lining up at 2 am to get any doorbuster prizes, there is some small part of me that is pleased that I’m not missing out on ALL of the shopping fun.

HAPPY SHOPPING DAY!!!!!

 

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