Before you roll your eyes and think that that is going to be another post about sales and discounts and such, give me a chance to explain. Twitter is blowing up right now with all sorts of deals. I’m clicking on almost everyone only to be disappointed by the either the quality or quantity or both.
Its no secret that I live in Canada. 1.5 hours away from the Buffalo border to be exact (1 hour if I’m driving). As such, shopping State side has always been something that we’ve enjoyed as a family. I remember going to Aeropostal before it was in Canada because it was still “cool”. I remember buying trucker hats at the Military Road Outlet Mall for $2.00. I still have some of those hats. Shopping in the States was something that was always appealing to me because we found treasures that we couldn’t find in Canada. I don’t even walk to talk about how cheap your restaurants compared to ours. I’m looking at you, Olive Garden.
But I digress.
The first time that we went Black Friday shopping was 6 years ago. It was with 2 of my siblings and my friend, Gerrard, who, by the way, is the most patient man I’ve ever met. We crossed the border around 9:30 and got to the Outlets within 20 mins. We then proceeded to wait in line for 2 hours. This is where all the fun begins. I’ve seen fights start outside of stores, security being called on cute old ladies, people fighting over things that they would never buy any other day of the year. Oh, they also have live bands perform just incase its not entertaining enough.
I remember waiting outside the Guess store (back when I considered it designer) for 40 minutes just to be able to save $15 off a wallet. It was a nice wallet. I also remember poor Gerrard having to talk sense into us every time we got excited over an object that we had no use for. We justified every purchase as a future gift. I’m looking at you, pile of crap from Umbra. I wonder what the rate of people using short term cash loans are this weekend.
I’ve also *witnessed* people shed old clothing in the parking lot of the McDonalds besides the mall, and wear 6 to 7 layers across the border to avoid paying duty on it. There are a lot creative Canadians out there. I bet if the Salvation Army wants to go collect stuff on Thursday night, that McDonalds would be a gold mine.
Black Friday has become a tradition in our household, just like Boxing Day is. Last year was the first year I chose to opt out fo the festivities and I felt left out. Not because I felt like I missed out on “sales” because lets face it- those are most tricks to get you through the door, but rather the insane behaviour that people exhibit when they are attempting to save money on crap that they had no need for 3 days ago. I still enjoy indulging online. I found a variety of Kindle Ebook reader that I’m in the market for, on sale. My sister may or may not be getting that for Christmas.
I don’t even want to start on the hypocrisy of the overindulgence the day after people spend being THANKFUL. But, hey its the best comedy show on the planet and its all free. All you need is some patience, possibly a camera, and the love to people watch.
Are you going Black Friday Shopping?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m not participating in Black Friday and I never have. I can see how it would be amusing. It’s like a study in the animal side of human behaviour. I’m happy to watch from the side lines though.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life recently posted..Reconciling Consumerism with Minimalism
Exactly!
Just like with you, I celebrate it for the sense of family. Most years I only buy one or two things, but it is the fun of being with my mom and sister and out ridiculously early in the morning and being cold (relatively, of course, since I live in Southern California).
Tammy recently posted..Black Friday
Being in the freezing cold is part of the adventure.
I can see how it might be an entertaining activity if you love to people watch. I hate being in crowds so any shopping I do on Black Friday will be from my computer.
Andy Hough recently posted..Personal Finance Links – Freaks and Geeks Edition
Cyber monday and all that stuff is fun too, but being in the thick of it is what makes it so great. It makes you at humanity in a different way.
I think it would be really interesting to witness black friday, but I really don’t like lines. I’ve only been boxing day shopping once and I’ll probably never go again. I’m to far away from the boarder to justify driving down there and it is SO expensive to fly… that being said I look forward to seeing what amazing deals you get!
Janine recently posted..Chatting with your significant other about money
You need to go and people watch. Its amazing.
I didn’t go out that day. But I did stumble across a couple of offers via email and twitter on items I was planning to buy for the holidays anyways. In general it’s not worth the stress, I’d say. This year the sales just didn’t match up with what we wanted, so we were able to avoid the masses.
femmefrugality recently posted..Suburbanites: Buy Your Tree in the City
I get sucked in with online shopping. My cart is packed before I know it.
Love this – because as a native of Cleveland, Ohio, my family spent a lot of time crossing the border (to gamble and later, when I was 19, to drink legally with my friends), so I *KNOW* what you’re talking about when it comes to duty free. My family always stocked up on OTC Tylenol with codeine and liquor before coming back home. My uncle’s family (they’re from London, Ontario) always went home with cigarettes and a full tank of gas.
Elizabeth @ Broke Professionals recently posted..Surviving Your Holiday Retail Job
No way! I didn’t know you were that close!
I work in retail, so Black Friday is a fun day from a different perspective. If I didn’t work, I don’t think I would go shopping, because nothing really appeals to me.
The College Investor recently posted..Reader Question: What To Do If I Don’t Have Time To Invest
I worked in the mall when I was younger, and actually had fun working during the busy times.
This post is great! I’m from Colorado but went to college in Rochester, NY and remembered fondly crossing the border to go to Toronto to party and go shopping. As for Black Friday, it’s great for people watching as long as you go mid-morning only use cash, have a budget and get out before the shopping frenzy overtakes your ability to be rational. Almost like being a zombie.
Michelle recently posted..Black Friday-Game of Chicken…Did you blink?
We welcome a lot of Americans up here to party. The shopping scene has slowed down since our dollar is at par now.
I don’t go Black Friday Shopping. I don’t go Christmas shopping. My life, marriage and wallet have been better since we opted out of celebrating Jesus’ birth with nonsense. I do, however, like to see what’s on sale AFTER Christmas.
I love Black Friday shopping. I always go with my sister and it is something of a family tradition for us, too. We never buy much, but it’s fun to look through the ads, check out the scene and spend time together “on a mission”. I often tell people it’s like a lot like a slumber party, but we go out and do stuff. A lot of people are super-judgey about Black Friday for various reasons, but I wouldn’t give up eating bagels with her at 3 in the morning for anything!
The Barn Cat recently posted..November Birchbox – IRL
{ 1 trackback }