Black Friday Not Worth It For Some

By Rachael Wabel

Retailers hope Black Friday will boost sale revenues, but a growing number of shoppers have decided to skip the lines and purchase their gifts after the rush.

A glance through the Thanksgiving Day newspaper ads revealed that while some items, including Blue-ray DVD players and large screen televisions were discounted, many items remained close their normal prices.

“I don’t see the point in getting up early to buy something I can get in a few days for the same price,” father of two, Joe Thompson said.

Long lines and over-populated stores are not uncommon on Black Friday. The large crowds have deterred some shoppers from taking part in the Black Friday tradition.

“I don’t want my butt grabbed by no stranger,” Tonya Jordan said. “I’ll do my shopping when there’s less people there.”

For many, Thanksgiving is centered on spending time with family and friends. Leaving home to join a growing line before the pumpkin pie has been served isn’t how some want to spend their Thanksgiving.

“My family is coming from out of town for the weekend,” Haley Webster said. “There’s no way I’m leaving them just to go shopping. I have a whole month to shop.”

Instead of stopping at the stores, many people boycotting Black Friday plan to see movies or spend time outside.

“We’ll go sledding if we can find snow, if not we’ll probably go see ‘Arthur’s Christmas’. It looks like something my kids would like,” Thompson said.

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