The days of lining up outside stores hours before they open are over. The day after Thanksgiving marks the biggest shopping day of the year; only traditions have changed. Although many stores still hold large in-person sales, the real deals are now found online. Furthermore, whether shopping online or in person, people have noticed a drastic difference in sales today compared to what they were a few years ago.
Before computers, phones, and online shopping were as prevalent, malls were the place to be (or not to be) on Black Friday. Due to enormous sales in every store nationwide, malls turned into zoos. People lined up outside stores, hours before they even opened, so they could be the first to get their hands on the discounted items. Once the shopping began, it was hard to even walk through stores because clothes were thrown all over the floor, people filled every corner, and there were occasional fights over store-bought items. Although this is some people’s nightmare, others like sophomore Samantha Salzman loved the craze of shopping in person on Black Friday. “When I was younger, I remember going Black Friday shopping and getting pushed around in the ginormous crowds,” said Salzman. “Even though it is crowded, Black Friday has always been my favorite day of the year because the thrill and excitement are unmatched.”
Nowadays, malls are still crowded, but nowhere near the way they used to be. Online shopping has gained traction across every age group because it is more efficient and has a wider selection. In recent years, many stores have implemented Black Friday sales on their websites, and shoppers have responded enthusiastically. One such shopper is sophomore Lily DiCristina who prefers Black Friday on a computer rather than in a busy, crowded mall. “Shopping online is so much less stressful and more stuff is available,” said DiCristina.
Signs saying “80% off all items in store!” used to line the windows of shops on Black Friday. Now, websites read, “15% of select items!” Recent Black Fridays have left shoppers disappointed, as the sales have been extremely underwhelming. As companies have more sales throughout the year and nationwide prices continue to rise, pleasure is taken away from what used to be a special day. Just a few years ago, sophomore Zoey Braithwaite remembers buying so many things for a remarkably low cost on Black Friday. “This year, I could barely afford to buy one thing without burning a hole in my pocket,” said Braithwaite.
While vacant malls and underwhelming sales may convince some that Black Friday is no longer worth the hassle, the most dedicated shoppers still consider this day extremely exciting. The new era of Black Friday sales may not have people standing in lines for hours, but why not take advantage of a day when almost everything is discounted?
