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Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Black Friday Activities
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comet
Snowball in Hell
# 10353
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Posted
Think of this as the anti-shopping thread.
The "Black Friday" phenomenon annoys the tits off of me, so for the last dozen years or so I've made it a policy not to spend one thin dime in that 24 hour period. (now that they're trying to spread the love over a week long period I might have more trouble)
So, for all of you of perhaps like minds, what shall we do Friday that won't allow for any money to change hands of any sort? Now, I know many people will be working, etc (myself included) but I'm looking for fun experiences that do not require any investment of money.
So what'll it be? dress as bears and attack those camped in front of stores, as I read somewhere? Hand out free art, as they're doing in some cities? stage a nutcracker re-enactment in the local library? have a public reading of Walden in the Toys-r-Us parking lot? Give away free puppies and red bull to kids waiting for their parents outside of mall shops? Dress as the grinch and carry an empty sack outside of Best Buy, looking scheming?
or, perhaps, bake cookies, read a novel, go for a ski, stage a protest, paint a giant middle finger on your front door, or other relaxing, run-of-the-mill pursuits.
let's hear some plans!
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Evil Dragon Lady, Breaker of Men's Constitutions
"It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.” -Calvin
Posts: 17024 | From: halfway between Seduction and Peril | Registered: Sep 2005
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
For those of us in as yet innocent climes an interesting piece from the BBC. It ends with noting that retailers have begun opening on Thanksgiving Day itself, creating a 'Grey Thursday'. Presumably in time there will be an Off-white Wednesday and a Peeliewallie Tuesday.
[ 29. November 2013, 07:33: Message edited by: Firenze ]
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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Enoch
Shipmate
# 14322
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Posted
A few minutes ago, there was a slot on R4 Today about this. I'd never heard of the phrase until about 24 hours ago when I received an automatic advertising email trying to sell me things that referred to it. Until it was explained on R4 I had no idea what the term meant or where it came from.
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Brexit wrexit - Sir Graham Watson
Posts: 7610 | From: Bristol UK(was European Green Capital 2015, now Ljubljana) | Registered: Nov 2008
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Drifting Star
Drifting against the wind
# 12799
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Posted
My Black Friday activity so far is to take every company that has emailed me with Black Friday deals, track them down on Twitter, and ask them if they know what Black Friday is, and, if so, why they think it's relevant to UK customers.
Sad, I know. But the alternative is to get some work done.
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The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Heraclitus
Posts: 3126 | From: A thin place. | Registered: Jul 2007
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Uncle Pete
Loyaute me lie
# 10422
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Posted
Thanks for reminding me that stores will be open at 7AM this morning. Last year I spoke with clerks in several of them who were all resentful that they had to come in early and sit in empty stores waiting for regular shopping hours. That's just one mall, and perhaps the big box stores do better. I just ignore it.
Bloody 'Murrican tradition bought to you by multinational corporate owners who wouldn't understand "cultural difference" if it jumped up and bit them in the bum.
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Even more so than I was before
Posts: 20466 | From: No longer where I was | Registered: Sep 2005
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Jane R
Shipmate
# 331
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Posted
Today is the second day of the St Nicholas Fair so there will be wild Biblical scenes in the centre of York. Best avoided if you don't like crowds. Besides, I have far too much work to do to goof off and go shopping...
Posts: 3958 | From: Jorvik | Registered: May 2001
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Galilit
Shipmate
# 16470
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Posted
There was a piece on the Main Evening News here last night showing people HERE organising and researching to buy things on-line in US time. The day (event) was even desccribed as having become international. The reporter also advised people how they better watch out because they will be charged duty on parcels over $US50 value.
I was so distressed!
The country already seemed full of "Buy 2 get 1 free" and "Spend 500 and pay 350". Encouraging people to buy more things full stop not just things they don't need. Now we are buying in America??!
Thanks for this thread - I feel better now and less alone in this madness.
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She who does Her Son's will in all things can rely on me to do Hers.
Posts: 624 | From: a Galilee far, far away | Registered: Jun 2011
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Moo
Ship's tough old bird
# 107
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
It ends with noting that retailers have begun opening on Thanksgiving Day itself, creating a 'Grey Thursday'. Presumably in time there will be an Off-white Wednesday and a Peeliewallie Tuesday.
It's actually very nice when they put the things on sale before Thanksgiving. I drove forty miles to the Big City* on Monday to do some shopping before the crowds got bad. Eddie Bauer had a sale--40% off everything in the store. It would be great if every retailer did the same.
*Roanoke, population 97,469
Moo
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Kerygmania host
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See you later, alligator.
Posts: 20365 | From: Alleghany Mountains of Virginia | Registered: May 2001
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Tortuf
Ship's fisherman
# 3784
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Posted
My youngest has an activity that will keep him from spending money today.
He is working for Toys R a Billion Dollar Industry from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Yesterday, Thanksgiving, he worked from 4:30 until 9:30. So, he didn't have a chance to spend money buying things.
On the other hand, he helped lots of people who wanted to buy things to make the lives of others just a little bit nicer.
Posts: 6963 | From: The Venice of the South | Registered: Dec 2002
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jedijudy
Organist of the Jedi Temple
# 333
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Posted
Sorry comet. Daughter-Unit and I have a tradition to uphold today.
After years and years of laughing at the people running out at 0dark30 to shop, she sheepishly asked me one year if we could take advantage of the very nice sale at the shop where we get our soaps. Since I love any chance at all to spend time with her, I agreed.
We have a game plan that has never failed us. We go to the one store in the chain that has very few people, then we eat lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying each other's company.
This scheme has worked perfectly every year...until today. D-U has to work. So, she has enlisted her hubby to go Black Friday shopping with his mom-in-law! ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) And, he agreed!!
His mom was shocked when she found out, and said she's never done that with him, so she's coming, too! My S-i-L is a brave, brave man. He's the best!!
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Jasmine, little cat with a big heart.
Posts: 18017 | From: 'Twixt the 'Glades and the Gulf | Registered: Aug 2001
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Graven Image
Shipmate
# 8755
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Posted
I spent the day wrapping all the gifts I had bought during the year, as I saw things that seemed right for the people I give to. I try to buy at small local stores or on line from fair trade companies. They tend to have more unique things then malls. I also wrapped up all my handmade gifts I have been making all year. So I am done, relaxed, and can now enjoy baking and looking forward to Advent. I started doing this 15 years ago when December was a busy month at work for me, and although I am now retired, I have never looked back. I try never ever to go in a large store in December. I always buy my wrapping materials for the next year, when they go on sale after Christmas. I love Advent. My favorite season of the year. And we do celebrate all 12 days of Christmas ending up with a party. I do not think I spend any more by not doing the sales, and as it is spread all though the year it makes it easier on my budget.
Posts: 2641 | From: Third planet from the sun. USA | Registered: Nov 2004
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
I've had a nice, quiet day, napping and listening to NPR.
I've never been to any of the hard-core Black Friday sales. (Though I've shopped at a discount clothing store during the holidays, and the line was very long. But nothing compared to the current BF lines!)
For those whose countries are adopting the trend: be aware that the sales can get violent. Stampedes, etc.
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Blessed Gator, pray for us!
--"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon")
--"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
Posts: 18601 | From: Chilling out in an undisclosed, sincere pumpkin patch. | Registered: Oct 2001
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Ariston
Insane Unicorn
# 10894
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
Presumably in time there will be an Off-white Wednesday and a Peeliewallie Tuesday.
I am in favor of this, but only because it means I'll get to use the words "peelie wally" in anything resembling all seriousness. Yes, I had to Google it.
Today's Black Friday Fun? Working retail at our shop's one end of the year sale, with people lined up outside our door before we opened the door. Granted, it was a line of two people, so we let 'em in (we're not going to make our customers wait out in the cold!), but it was a bit odd making sales before we were even open for the day.
Can I complain too much, though? Not really. When you're a local Institution, your regulars come to visit you. They bring you all their leftovers. They even make more food for you. It may be the least deranged Black Friday sale ever.
So yeah. Coulda been worse. Not burnt out yet—though I might revise that come Monday.
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“Therefore, let it be explained that nowhere are the proprieties quite so strictly enforced as in men’s colleges that invite young women guests, especially over-night visitors in the fraternity houses.” Emily Post, 1937.
Posts: 6849 | From: The People's Republic of Balcones | Registered: Jan 2006
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Timothy the Obscure
Mostly Friendly
# 292
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Posted
I saw a headline (!) about a couple who went to Wal-Mart to buy a TV, but the line was too long, so they gave up and went home. The husband said "It just wasn't worth the hassle."
When common sense sounds like The Onion, we're in trouble.
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When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.
- C. P. Snow
Posts: 6114 | From: PDX | Registered: May 2001
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Palimpsest
Shipmate
# 16772
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Posted
I think of it as a good reminder to try to stay out of stores for the next month. I went to the bank and the drugstore today and came home.
There have been articles in the Wall Street Journal and elsewhere about how this is now "shopping theater" where merchandise is brought in a month earlier at artificially high prices so it can be marked down. People seem to be addicted to the drama of bargains even if they aren't really bargains.
Posts: 2990 | From: Seattle WA. US | Registered: Nov 2011
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
Saw a headline about people physically fighting in a store over towels.
Also saw film of a woman who took a *taser* shopping with her--and used it.
And there was a picture of a shot-up car; and a story of a cop being dragged behind a car, and other cops rescuing him. (Maybe the shot-up car was the one in question?)
I'm not one to wait in line for days--or even overnight--to buy something. But I can sort of understand it if the desired item is something you need, or something that could change your life for the better, and this is the only way you can afford it. E.g., home computer, TV (especially if you live alone), new fridge, etc.
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Blessed Gator, pray for us!
--"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon")
--"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
Posts: 18601 | From: Chilling out in an undisclosed, sincere pumpkin patch. | Registered: Oct 2001
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Amanda B. Reckondwythe
Dressed for Church
# 5521
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Golden Key:
But I can sort of understand it if the desired item is something you need, or something that could change your life for the better, and this is the only way you can afford it. E.g., home computer, TV (especially if you live alone), new fridge, etc.
But it's not "the only way you can afford it." Far from it. As has been pointed out upthread, the prices are in many cases artificially marked up so that they can be marked down to look like bargains. Many appliance stores maintain outlets where they offer slightly used, or slightly damaged (dented, scratched, etc. without affecting functionality) merchandise at a real markdown.
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"I take prayer too seriously to use it as an excuse for avoiding work and responsibility." -- The Revd Martin Luther King Jr.
Posts: 10542 | From: The Great Southwest | Registered: Feb 2004
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The Rogue
Shipmate
# 2275
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Posted
While the term Black Friday was new to me this year the idea that a particular day is the biggest selling day in the year is not. With all their computerised tills and stuff shops will know which day of the week is generally busiest and which week before Christmas is busiest. It is a simple step to give this day a name and hype it up globally.
Personally, shopping is one of the worst things on the planet so this particular hype washes over me quite easily.
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If everyone starts thinking outside the box does outside the box come back inside?
Posts: 2507 | From: Toton | Registered: Feb 2002
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
We went to dinner at my father-in-law's house. We did not set foot in any retail stores.
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If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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The5thMary
Shipmate
# 12953
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Posted
Thank the good Lord I was visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Radford, VA, which is not exactly a hotbed of shopping malls. In fact, as my sister was giving me the old tour of the city, after twenty-six years, it struck me how small a city it STILL is and it was refreshing that we saw no evidence of crazed shoppers or long lines of frantic consumers anywhere. Can't believe I actually lived there for three years but that's a whole 'nother story!
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God gave me my face but She let me pick my nose.
Posts: 3451 | From: Tacoma, WA USA | Registered: Aug 2007
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Ariel
Shipmate
# 58
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Posted
Friday was the day I nearly got charged double the normal price for a rail ticket and ended up deciding to go somewhere completely different at half the price instead.
Spend? Yes. Lunch out and a glass of mulled wine. Well, you have to when you’re looking round a Christmas Market.
Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001
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Otter
Shipmate
# 12020
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Posted
The Otter Pup and I did go out shopping in the afternoon, but it was for things we could/would have done any other weekend-ish day of the year: Buttons, bottles and a new siphon for Saturday's project of bottling mead, a few groceries, and something so boring I've forgotten what it was from the hardware store.
Other than that Mr. Otter and The Otter Pup unearthed the bottling supplies/equipment, I worked on leather projects, we puttered around the house, and The Pup made green bean casserole.
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The plural of "anecdote" is not "data", YMMV, limited-time offer, IANAL, no purchase required, and the state of CA has found this substance to cause cancer in laboratory aminals
Posts: 1429 | From: Chicago, IL 'burbs | Registered: Nov 2006
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Boogie
Boogie on down!
# 13538
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Posted
I went to work, taught some children, then marked their books in the evening.
MUCH prefer all of that to shopping. I hate shopping!
Posts: 13030 | From: Boogie Wonderland | Registered: Mar 2008
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L'organist
Shipmate
# 17338
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Posted
Black Friday?
Well, if memory is reliable, it went like this:
To church for
Stations of the Cross
short break
ante communion
longer break
liturgical service
longer break - hot cross buns, tea, etc
choir rehearsal
home
supper of kedgeree
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Rara temporum felicitate ubi sentire quae velis et quae sentias dicere licet
Posts: 4950 | From: somewhere in England... | Registered: Sep 2012
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