Ahh the holidays…a time for celebration, a time for rejuvenation, a time for fighting with relatives—I mean togetherness…Oh, and let’s not forget—a time for shopping. Black Friday proved just as interesting as those in the past. As a cashier at one of your favorite local retail stores, seen it all. Scams, theft, attempted bargaining, the works. And I’ve come to one small conclusion: Black Friday shoppers are crazy. Please do not take offense; not all shoppers who wake up before the sun rises are crazy, but I’ve got to admit that the few who are crazy give the rest a bad name. Don’t believe me? Think about it. How many people literally fight for the last item? In 2008, an associate died in a Walmart during a stampede. Need I say more?
By: Jessie Krehlik
News Editor
Ahh the holidays…a time for celebration, a time for rejuvenation, a time for fighting with relatives—I mean togetherness…Oh, and let’s not forget—a time for shopping. Black Friday proved just as interesting as those in the past. As a cashier at one of your favorite local retail stores, seen it all. Scams, theft, attempted bargaining, the works. And I’ve come to one small conclusion: Black Friday shoppers are crazy. Please do not take offense; not all shoppers who wake up before the sun rises are crazy, but I’ve got to admit that the few who are crazy give the rest a bad name. Don’t believe me? Think about it. How many people literally fight for the last item? In 2008, an associate died in a Walmart during a stampede. Need I say more?
Okay, I’ll say more, but only for the pure enjoyment of recanting my Black Friday horror stories. Think of this as Jessie’s friendly holiday shopper guide.
First, let’s discuss quantity limits. They are instated for a reason: to keep everything fair to the general public. Why should one customer be allowed to purchase five of a big-ticket item when there are dozens of other individuals eager to take part in the early bird special? I know the early bird gets the worm, but seriously? I doubt he gets every worm.
On Black Friday, I was one of the cashiers who opened the store well before dawn. By 7:30 a.m., we still had a steady line and an eager shopper attempted to purchase two sets of two early bird items. When I informed him that I couldn’t sell him both sets, he argued that his wife was in the store. However, because his wife wasn’t present to make the purchase, my hands were tied. As a last ditch effort, he asked the woman in front of him—the one I was still ringing out at the register while fighting with this guy—if she would purchase it for him with his money. Really? Don’t you think it’s a little extreme when people ask complete strangers to help them cheat the system?
Let’s see, what else made this black Friday memorable? I especially loved when customers showed up at 6:30 p.m. Saturday evening to purchase the main product featured on the front page. And then they yell at the store associates, like it’s all our fault. Maybe they should’ve stood in line at 3:00 a.m. to get one of those golden tickets. Ahh, the golden tickets. It’s really surprising how many stores have adapted this method of selling early bird specials. They accommodate the crazies who camp overnight outside Best Buy and Target by giving them tickets for some merchandise. But there’s a catch—isn’t there always? If the customer doesn’t use the ticket by noon, he forfeits his right to purchase the product. I know this seems unfair, but let’s be realistic. Typically, retailers don’t hold any sale merchandise for customers, so why should Black Friday be any different?
I know this seems like a rant, but I’m almost finished. I’m not saying there aren’t perks to Black Friday. You can get some fantastic deals over that weekend, as well as on Cyber Monday. But think of it this way—remember the people who aren’t shopping, but instead working their whole day away. I pride myself in smiling sweetly at every customer who comes through my check out line; even the particularly nasty ones who try to cheat the system. So smile back, because remember, Black Friday is just the beginning. Your local retailer cashiers have a month left of dealing with rude customers, working long, extended hours and listening to the Jackson Five sing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” among other Christmas classic hits. It’s enough to drive anyone mad. So please, have mercy and please enjoy your shopping season!
Shop Smart this Holiday Season with these tips:
· Before you rush out to buy something that’s on sale at a specific store, check out what competitors are selling similar products.
· Don’t be afraid of the Internet when you’re looking to save money. Ebay and Amazon provide an endless supply of gift ideas. Not a fan of Ebay? Check out some traditional retailers’ websites—sometimes, they offer discounted or free shipping during the holidays.
· Take advantage of fuel perks from Giant Eagle by purchasing gift cards from retailers to buy presents for your loved ones, or just give the gift cards as presents themselves.
· Visit Pricewatch.com before making any major purchases online. This site gives consumers the opportunity to look at several retailers’ prices on similar items at once.
· Sign up for email alerts with your favorite retailer. Staples and Dick’s Sporting Goods, among other retailers, send out email-exclusive coupons to their consumers. These same retailers often give sneak previews to upcoming Sunday ads to their email recipients
· Did you buy an item before it went on sale? Many retailers will price match their own ads if the item in question was purchased less than two weeks prior to the current sale.
· Clip those coupons! 10 percent here and $5 off there really will add up in the long run.
· Be conscious of retailers’ return policies, and get gift receipts whenever possible.
· Don’t be afraid to shop the off-brand websites. For example, MacMall sells the same items sold by Apple at a discounted price.
· Be at a store when it opens if you want to purchase on of their front-page items. Stores are often given a limited quantity for their most desired ad merchandise.