Black Friday Now?

Black Friday is a popular label attached to the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the US. This day marks the beginning of the busy shopping season during which most consumers typically start their Christmas/holiday shopping.  While the word "black" often has a negative connotation, the use of black in this case alludes to profitability, which is traditionally noted in black ink (losses are noted in red). Traditionally, brick-and-mortar retailers see a surge in retail sales on this day as a result of the holiday shopping, putting their books "in the black".

Every year it seem like the Christmas decorations go up earlier.  I remember what mom taught me – don’t put up your Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving.  Wasn’t mom always right? I think that works in a normal economy.  Retailers are pushing Black Friday because they need sales.

I understand the yin and yang of the issue.  Conservatives want Christmas to be less commercial, see this page on the Advent Conspiracy. The Advent Conspiracy is an international movement restoring the scandal of Christmas by substituting compassion for consumption.Sounds great!  Our society is one of excess consumerism.

If I put on my marketing hat, early retail sales info like Black Friday deals may help me as a consumer. The retailer gets the word out during a very competitive flat economy.  Check out this web site on Black Friday deals and coupons. I love the countdown timer and blog.

 

My guess is that most Americans will spend less this Christmas but at what store?  Choose wisely, and make your dollar work for you.  The Black Friday site is a good start if you are thinking coupons and sale prices.

 

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