Black Friday

Being my first year in the US today was the first Thanksgiving which is observed on the last Thursday of November. The day after this holiday is called “Black Friday” which is the biggest shopping extravaganza all throughout the states. Before coming here I never heard about this day. Though not an official holiday, most employees are on a day off this day as it adds a day more to their Thanksgiving long weekend. And this day is also known as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Christmas as we know is a time of celebration and gifting is an important part of this season. The shopping retailers take full advantage of this festive season and give ridiculous discounts especially on Black Friday. Encouraging more and more people to shop and stock up for the festival ahead. Though its not clear why it is called a Black Friday, some say it’s the media who named this term, some say its because this is the day retailers make huge profits and the retailers argue that their employees have a long hard day at work, but it was used to refer to the traffic jams usually this day brought. No matter how this term came, it sure is the biggest time to shop.
Days before, advertisements, coupons are sent out informing consumers of the various ridiculous offers available on Black Friday. How would you like if a $900 laptop is being sold for $299 or a $300 GPS being sold for $58.
One cannot imagine buying these stuff at these prices in my home country. And these offers are only for this one day and that too only while stocks last. As one can expect, people throng to grab such amazing discounts. Some shops are open from 12 am Friday and most open by either 4 or 5 am. And guess what people are on queue outside as early from Midnight in these mercilessly cold November night when temperatures easily touch the freezing point. Once a Wal-Mart employee was killed when people hurried over him as the store was about to open at 5 am. Though such news of stampede and crowds are covered by media, this has never been a dampener for the people who enthusiastically wait for this day for the deals they get. Most of such offers are for electronic items and toys, usually ideal for gifts for the Christmas season. So it’s not a waste to keep track of the offers and discounts, make a list and shop early for Christmas gifts. For some its not the discounts which seem attractive, the mere act of waking up early and some quick shopping thrills them. Just as similar to any other holiday activity. So for most Americans after stuffing up on Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner the previous night, it’s like a ritual to go on a shopping spree and with these prices who needs an excuse for shopping.
As for me I am looking forward to one activity this weekend – SHOPPING ofcourse. Well I may not be an early bird and so I may not get the best deal, but many such deals last the whole day. So let me see what I can get my hands on. Happy Thanksgiving and A very happy time Shopping to all !