Lines that stretched out across town and fought to get in first. What used to bring utter chaos has turned into a quiet disappointment for many.
As fall set in and the wind picked up, one of the most chaotic shopping days fast approached, the annual Black Friday sale took place on November 30. Unlike others though this black Friday left many disappointed with the sales.
Black Friday gained attention in the 1980’s quickly turning into something that families would plan weeks for beforehand. Stores would provide major discounts from around 70-90% off of everything ranging from toys to electronics. With thousands of people and only a couple of items, lines would form across towns with campsites set the day or two before. The minute the door opened chaos would ensue with everyone trampling off each other trying to get their stuff. Hospitals were working full time and quickly filling in with injuries contributing to Black Friday’s notorious reputation. This reputation spread quickly through the many horror movies inspired by these stories.
Although some stores prevailed and were worth the hype, many others left people devoid the anticipated thrill and excitement accompanying this day.
“8 years ago when I moved here, I remember we were going Black Friday shopping with all of our friends and family because that was the craze back then and we were waiting in this big line. But now I haven’t gone black Friday shopping in the past 2 years even though I wanted to because its really just not worth it anymore,” shares Sophomore Nainika Teegavaraupu.
Although that was years ago, now Black Friday does still carry its reputation in some stores but many stores now also show jacked up prices disguised as discounts. Deals persist throughout the whole week without increasing on the actual holiday. Where it used to be one day filled with chaos, is now spread over a week or two with discounts ranging from 10%-80% off. However, most fall on the scale toward 30% causing many to wonder whether waiting for this holiday is worth it.
For many shoppers, it feels as though the deals are not a bargain anymore. Junior Ron’Neshia Browne explains; “Black Friday deals are not what they used to be. Personally they were a lot better before COVID, but now they just want money. I did see some good deals, but I also saw deals that were a bit too much. I was thinking of getting my mom airpod maxes but instead of giving a discount, they jacked up the prices and then gave a discount so I was still paying the same amount.”
Although many were let down, there are some who believed that the Black Friday deals were worth it. Trisha Gokkakle , a sophomore, agrees how “there were some bad deals but there were also a lot of good ones. Me and my family went to the Altamonte mall and Old Navy which had 50% off and I found a lot of clothes there. I got a pair of jeans for 12 dollars which is really good considering the normal price at places like hollister. At the mall, we went to Forever 21 which had 70-80% off and they had a lot of clothes. I got 5 things for 30 dollars which is pretty good.”
As Black Friday continues, the excitement, though still alive, is slowly fading. The chaotic lines and frenzied rush are now rare with many using online deals instead. While some stores still offer major discounts, many are wondering if it’s worth the effort.