“Is Black Friday edging out Thanksgiving?” was the headline of a story on CNN about what really happens on Black Friday. Shoppers are unaware of the monstrosities that unfold on November 23rd, 2012. At stores across the country, customers are so occupied in their shopping that they are oblivious to the multiple security guards, stores opening earlier, and higher safety measures in general which keep the public from violence. So, as TIME says, “The traditional day-after-Thanksgiving shopping bonanza has become a full-contact sport, with crazed shoppers determined to find the best deals, sometimes with tragic results.” Are you one of the athletes competing?
Black Friday shoppers madly dash about, searching for the best deals of the season. But do they ever stop to think of fatalities this fateful day has ever caused? Many stores nowadays have lines outside their door at a mere 8:00 PM! Security guards try to maintain peace, sometimes done in vain. Although there have been no drastic events unfolded this year, no doubt that little riots have taken place throughout the country.
Today, many stores offer the same deals online, not to mention free shipping as well. Also, Cyber Monday is another hassle-free way of dodging the crowds and still getting your favorite products. “Like real holidays, it occurs on a predesignated day each year. People anticipate it and mark the date. Across the breadth of the nation they are absent from work to observe it.” says CNN’s Bob Greene. Frankly, there is no simpler way to put it than that.
"In the Black" Puts Customers in the Dark
By Ananya Suram
Walmart opened at a mere 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving Night, two hours earlier than last year. A sizable line already formed at 7:00 PM.