Diamond Jenkins
Staff Writer
Husbands, wives children, grandparents and extended family members in for the Thanksgiving celebrations were lined up in large numbers at various stores across the nation with one mission, being the first in line to finding the best Black Friday deals!
Many shoppers waited eagerly outside of retail stores to catch the one-time sales that can only be found on this momentous occasion. North Park Mall in Ridgeland opened at 4 a.m., an hour earlier than usual, while stores like Belk and J.C. Penney both opened at 3 a.m. Wal-Mart, which never closed, pleased many of its shoppers by beginning its sales prices at 12 a.m.
“It was amazing to see how people actually wait outside in the cold just to buy toys, really. You would not catch me out there,” said Mariah Beall, a sophomore marketing major from Los Angeles, Calif.
Jamila Paillet, a sophomore biology/ pre-physical therapy major from Atlanta, Ga. said, “I just love shopping for the holidays. Black Friday was fun for me. I bought so much stuff!”
“I happen to think Black Friday is great. Good things for low prices. Can’t beat it,” said Demetrius Thomas, a freshman physical education major from Jackson, Miss.
Recession? What recession? 2011 Black Friday statistics would indicate that the American recession is a mere figment of the imagination. According to foxnews.com, approximately 226 million shoppers visited stores and websites during the four-day holiday weekend starting on Thanksgiving Day. These numbers are up from the 2012 million Black Friday shoppers in 2010.
The National Retail Federation report released on Sunday indicates that Americans also spent more money. The report showed that the average holiday shopper spent $398.62 over the weekend, up from $365.34 a year ago. Of those shopping at midnight on Black Friday, 37 percent were in the 18-34 age group. Overall the sales this year were up 7 percent.
“I think Black Friday is a great way to boost the economy and prepare for Christmas,” said Michael Wilson, a freshman chemistry major from Vicksburg, Miss.
Devan Washing, a freshman social work major from Pickens, Miss. said, “I love Black Friday. I went shopping and bought some great gifts.”
Some students have mixed emotions about the busiest shopping day of the year.
“I feel that Black Friday is taking away from the spirit of Thanksgiving, but it does give the economy a boost along with lowering the unemployment rates,” said Donald Hewitt, a political science major and freshman class president from Jackson, Miss.
Many people refer to this day as black and blue Friday, and here is why. Because of the intense demand for a limited number of items sold during a small time frame, competition to get these items have led some to shouting matches and all out fights! Some shoppers have been arrested, others hospitalized, and many traumatized from the hardcore methods used to obtain these ‘once in a lifetime’ deals.
According to an NBC report, a robber shot a Black Friday shopper at a San Francisco Walmart when he refused to give up his purchases, sending him to the hospitalized in critical but stable condition Another incident involved a man in West Virginia who collapsed and died at Target’s after Thanksgiving sale. What did other shoppers do? Stampeded around his body to continue shopping. There were also reports of one shopper at a Los Angeles Walmart superstore who used pepper spray to aid her attempt to get an Xbox 360. These are just a few of many incidents around the country. Is it that serious?
Donald Hewitt, a freshman political science major from Jackson, Miss. feels that more time should be spent thinking of others during the holidays.
“I am volunteering with the Salvation Army during the holidays. I feel if I can make another family smile or laugh by helping take toys to them, is not only out of respect, but I like shopping for other people in need,” said Hewitt.
Always remember, the holidays are much more than shopping. Happy Holidays!
