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I usually refrain from uploading a post that is not scheduled, but this topic came to me recently. I felt it would be a good idea to throw it out into the blogosphere.
According to different sources, during the 1950s or 60s, the Philadelphia police department in the United States created a term to coincide with traffic jams, due to the influx of shoppers a day after Thanksgiving.
In fact, from what I gathered, the original term was the After-Thanksgiving sales.
When you think of black in financial terms, it relates to profits. Businesses view the shopping event as a day when they are able to go from red (negative) to black (positive).
By following the numbers, stores would anticipate Black Friday as the start to the holiday shopping season. Families would line up at their favorite stores, in order to purchase drastically reduced items.
On the outside looking in, I do not see a problem here. Why pay extra, when you can acquire the same item for less? I do not have an issue with the original intent of Black Friday.
This all changed when shoppers decided that fighting with a stranger was acceptable, over items they would no longer find interesting by next year. It is completely unacceptable when shopping for a bargain, leads to someone losing a life.
Black Friday took a stranger turn in 2012, when companies felt the regular shopping hours did not generate enough monetary return, thus Black Friday becoming what I consider Midnight Friday.
With a rise in business, companies are deciding to open earlier each year. Now, Black Friday is simply Pre-Thanksgiving Thursday. People rightfully started to complain.
There are families who take this time together seriously. Sometimes, this holiday is the only time extended relatives are able to get together. Businesses do not care about your feelings, and if I go by the numbers, many shoppers do not care as well.
I cannot blame a company for seeking profits, because I believe in the open marketplace, where supply and demand is king. These companies only listen to dollars and cents.
However, if you want families to have a Thanksgiving, where a relative may work in the retail sector…please, refrain from shopping on Thursday. Companies are not opening their doors to provide employees additional income.
Some stores are opening during the late afternoon on Thursday—that is simply horrible. How many CEO’s do you think are working on Thursday? How many of their board members, do you think are spending the day away from loved ones?
If you want change in the U.S., simply speak with your dollars. Complaining alone will not help. Refrain from shopping and they will listen. Even if you do not celebrate Thanksgiving, a number of families do.
Please…boycott shopping on Thursday.
Here is a list of 30 popular stores in the United States, refusing to open their doors on Thursday.
How do you feel about stores opening during Thanskgiving?
One Gentleman's Perspective 
We gave up black Friday shopping years and years ago, because the crowds and the parking and the STRESS completely negated any/all joy I derive from holiday shopping. There is nothing interesting enough, on sale enough to drag me to a mall or to a retail establishment on a traditional holiday. It’s regretful that there is enough interest and people shopping to make it attractive to retailers.
My daughter will be working – she is a vet tech and works in an emergency pet hospital – and unfortunately it’s not uncommon to have people coming in with sick or injured pets that require immediate medical attention.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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That’s the key…
“It’s regretful that there is enough interest and people shopping to make it attractive to retailers.”
There are people against this and in large numbers. However, they only complain verbally, as opposed to using their wallets. If countless numbers of consumers really want change, all they have to do is speak with their wallets. Sadly, not enough do.
I understand why certain businesses must remain open (Doctor’s office, gas stations, etc). Those are necessities. Besides, their line of business is not catered to recouping income during this shopping season, which Black Friday is about.
Their businesses are not tied to the association of Black Friday. However, that is completely different from malls, etc. The sole purpose for them is linked with the concept of Black Friday. In my opinion, employees should set the rule on whether they should work, not the CEOs.
I genuinely hope your day was a wonderful one.
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