23 Comments
User's avatar
Lynne DeLucia's avatar

Black Friday— ho-hum. Never rose before dawn to wait in line for bargains. But I love going to NYC, shopping in the big department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and taking in the sights, sounds and smells ( nut cart, 3 for 5) of the city.

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

Yes!

Expand full comment
Theresa Taylor's avatar

I normally do not shop on Black Friday. HOWEVER, I have to make an exception this year due to the fact that I'm in the process of replacing my entire wardrobe due to me having lost a bunch of weight. I bought my winter coat... 10% off plus another 10% rebate from Rakuten saving me about $30. I bought some cable-knit turtlenecks ($9.99 at JC Penney!) and am about to maybe buy some bras. It's nice to be able to do this from the comfort of my home, and the sales/discounts make my wallet happy. I do have to go out, though to deal with some non-holiday related errands. Other than that, I'm staying my cave of a home.

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

See you in the cave.

Expand full comment
Amy Mirchandani's avatar

Good for you! All around, I'm in the same boat with weight loss and staying in my cave right now too. I just joined this community so not sure if I can recommend any small businesses - you can ask me if you need a Connecticut referral for the best bra fitter/store

Expand full comment
Theresa Taylor's avatar

My niece turned me on to Soma. Showed them some love today.

Expand full comment
Rich Colbert's avatar

When we saw COSTCO setting up Christmas displays before Halloween we knew the manic shopping season was close. Each year it seems to begin earlier and now they even start the Black Friday hoopla in advance of the original Black Friday - have they no shame:))?

Anyway, we avoid the madness at all costs (pun intended). Full contact shopping is here and the news today will show throngs of people elbowing their way in to stores and fighting for a parking space - NO THANKS!!

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

Ditto. Nah.

Expand full comment
Nancy Bowden's avatar

If I find myself thinking about going even to the pharmacy on BF, I hold off. Yes, cutting back is good, and there is so much serious need in the world. Not for nothing, but I have overheard conversations about rushing to be the first 100 people in the stampede ... I mean, line ... to buy those cheap(er) electronics only to sell them for a nice profit later. So - it's all part of capitalist repression on "consumers". Apparently, we are responsible for the health of the very economic system that drives us into the ground.

Expand full comment
Sally Bahner's avatar

Anyone leaving a warm bed to shop at 5 a.m. on a cold winter morning is certifiable. And retailers are just plain greedy. Retail workers make crap wages as it is and foisting that burden on them is a travesty. Don't even get me going on the infestation of TV ads.

Expand full comment
Paul Ashton's avatar

I woke up this morning and one of the first things I did was delete dozens of Black Friday emails. After briefly considering going back to sleep until tomorrow, I remembered our goofy little holiday lights parade and tree lighting early this evening. It’s still a fairly young tradition and it gets a little better every year. So fueled by the holiday spirit and tacos, tortillas stuffed with yesterday’s leftovers (don’t knock it, until you try it), we will attend. I will mouth the words to the carols because nobody needs to hear that. Tomorrow on “Shop Small Saturday” we’ll check out local merchants and some of the dozens of artists in the area who open up their studios. Can’t say we’ll buy much because, like a lot of you here, our friends got stuff, we got stuff, our stuff’s got stuff. The one constant however is everyone has cookies, so we will be sustained.

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

I hope your tradition of lights continues to grow. We have Illuminations here the first Saturday of every December. It’s a beautiful night.

Expand full comment
Paul Ashton's avatar

Just got back from the parade and a small group of Fife an Drummers from Chester marched. I thanked them for coming up. They seemed to have a good time. Longest parade yet. A little over thirty minutes. About right for a twenty degree wind-chill.

Expand full comment
Theresa Taylor's avatar

Saturday I will be attending a Sip & Shop at Brewery Legitimus in New Hartford and plan to show some love to a few of the vendors.

Expand full comment
Joan Sheehan's avatar

I’m with you and have never participated in Black Friday! I am a sale shopper and have found them early and late. Since Covid I’ve done most shopping online which saves the headache hassles of the crowds. My husband and I usually buy ourselves what we need so it’s a rare surprise when there’s something unexpected under the tree.

Today is for making Turkey soup and enjoying any leftovers!

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

That sounds like a perfect day.

Expand full comment
B Keck's avatar

Earlier this week, I asked my Media Literacy students how they'd be spending Black Friday. (We are currently amidst our annual unit called "The Media & Consumerism.") Most will not be shopping (smart kids), while some are actually working their retail jobs. Ugh! Heaven help them!

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

The worst day to work retail, I think.

Expand full comment
Amy Mirchandani's avatar

I'm done with my holiday shopping, save for maybe 1 personal purchase on cyber Monday and some donations on giving Tuesday. My only trip to the stores is Best Buy (Saturday) to fix my laptop. Maybe. Ugh...

Ask me about getting mocked by a chatting computer tech Agent named 'Prince' (!) - one more OMG or sideways laughing emoji and I might have thrown myself into Long Island sound

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

Wow. What rudeness and good on you for being essentially done.

Expand full comment
Amy Mirchandani's avatar

I could have clicked the 'take a survey' box when the chat was ended...lol

Expand full comment
Karen Caffrey's avatar

I bought some socks.

Expand full comment