There was an article in the Tennessean this week describing two types of Black Friday shoppers:
The Hunter:
You are on a mission and it will only take you 2-3 hours tops. You have a specific plan in mind. You make a list and stick to it. You know what you want and you get down to business. You start with the biggest ticket item and work your way down your list.
The Gatherer:
You are on a shopping adventure and make a day of it. You bring all the supplies you might need with you. A list of family members sizes, snacks and water to replenish energy. You have gift ideas in mind but you are really out for the biggest deals. You are open to change and like a good find.
We have been checking the Black Friday deals and have a few things we might go after. We are more hunters than gatherers. I really don’t care to spend the whole day amongst the madness. Although last time I did Black Friday it was with my Grandmother and we had fun. No specific goals in mind, just spending time together.
How do you spend Black Friday? Are you a Hunter or Gatherer?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve only shopped Black Friday once and it was fine because I headed out much later than everyone else (around 9 or 10 am) and picked up a few specific things I needed that were a good price. I bought a toaster oven and a few clothing items and that was it. I did head to one store in search of some games but they were all gone by then (which is what I figured) and it was no big deal to me.
I was going to go out this year for a deal on a certain video game system for my son, but Amazon came through with the same price yesterday as part of their specials this week so it saved me a trip I was dreading!
What kind of Clack Friday shopper am I? The kind that refuses to leave her house before noon. I may go to the local department store that is 2 miles from my house. But I doubt I will go early… and if I don’t make it there on Friday, no harm done.
To those of you who choose to be die-hard Black Friday Shoppers: Godspeed.
@juliebavi
Our mall is within 2 miles from our house. If I had to drive 30-40 minutes to the other one I would definitely not attempt a shopping trip.
There is definitely a lot of overspending on Black Friday. Most of what people buy is junk that will either be broken or forgotten by Easter anyway. And some of it you could get cheaper during the rest of the year. You’d be surprised how much some places jack the prices up for the sale just so they can say it’s half off, when really, it about the same price as normal.
My mom and I always say that if it’s expensive enough to be $50 off then we can’t afford it. Especially when the commercials don’t tell you what the price is anyway.
And what do you all think about overspending? Do you think it would be easier to overspend on a day like Black Friday? I like the saying “I can’t afford to save so much!”
I’m the kind who’s stuck behind a counter all day. But if I wasn’t I’d be a non-shopper. It just isn’t worth it.
I have to say I am a “non-shopper” as well. Fighting crowds just doesn’t sound fun to me. I try to get most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving and do the rest online.
Hmm… I’ll say that it depends on the year! If I see a can’t miss deal out there, I’ll go for it. Usually, I’m not in the market for the big Black Friday items (electronics) and end up shopping for myself or staying at home.
There is another kind of Black Friday shopper. The non-shopper. I choose not to go out on Black Friday. I enjoy the comfort of my home with family eating leftovers. I love the day of relaxation with loved ones.
I agree! If we go out this year it will only be my second time. Since there are a few things we know we want it might be worth it, otherwise we would stay put as well.