Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Black Friday: Midnight

It seems that getting up early on the day after Thanksgiving to shop and take advantage of the bargains is becoming a thing of the past.

The trend is moving toward staying up late.

From the Wisconsin State Journal:



A growing number of retailers will begin their Black Friday door-buster sales on midnight Thursday, just a few hours after the dishes have been washed from Thanksgiving dinner.

Target, Macy's and Boston Store are among those that have announced midnight openings. Green Bay-based Shopko, told stores this summer to plan for a 3 a.m. opening, two hours earlier than last year but on Monday switched that plan to midnight for its 143 stores in 13 states.

"Looking at what other retailers are doing certainly played into the decision," said Jenn Steffen, a company spokeswoman.

Target Corp. became one of the first retailers to announce its Black Friday hours this year. The discounter last week said that it would open its doors at midnight for the first time ever and offer Black Friday specials at that time. On Monday, Macy's announced it would open at midnight after Thanksgiving.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:


Kohl’s Corp. will open its stores at midnight on the day after Thanksgiving, the earliest Black Friday opening yet for the Menomonee Falls-based chain.

...Kohl’s stores will open on midnight Nov. 25 and remain open for the following 24 hours. The company operates 1,127 stores across 49 states.

I won't do the 5:00 AM or 3:00 AM thing, but, theoretically, I could manage midnight openings. I'd be exhausted from making the Thanksgiving feast and cleaning up and the activities of the day, but I'd rather stay up late than get up early.

The thing is I don't want to think about shopping at all.

Thanksgiving was the one holiday that was pure, free from commercialism, at least for the most part.

I love gathering together and sharing the traditional meal, thanking God for our many blessings.

Now, the focus is on buying crap.

Thanksgiving, time for family and friends and feasting, is almost a distraction. It gets in the way of what we're told really matters - shopping.

Starting TODAY, Walmart is promoting its Black Friday deals.

It's only November 2nd and Walmart is offering a preview.

Thanksgiving is weeks away, but it's never too early to prepare to spend or start spending.

Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

From Reuters:

Wal-Mart Stores Inc said it is offering an early preview of its Black Friday deals starting Wednesday and will also hold an early holiday sale beginning Saturday.

The Saturday sale will start on November 5 at 11 a.m. and will go on till midnight, the company said in a statement.

The Black Friday preview for specials in electronics, toys and apparel will be available to shoppers who sign up at Walmart.com or the store's Facebook page.

This is ridiculous.

I don't want to be part of it.

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