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Black Friday Blues

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Steele Group Realty DRE# 01474222

 

Black Friday Blues

I’m going on record here to say that I hate Black Friday and the monster that it has become in 2013.   The original concept wasn’t so bad….large retailers have a sale the day after Thanksgiving to stimulate the Christmas buying season.  Got it.   But does EVERY business really need a Black Friday “sale”?  Why does a car dealership, a drug store or a company that provides online real estate education need a Black Friday event?  Do they really think we’re so simple-minded that we will assume if we buy today we’re getting a steal of a deal?

Wake up people.  Do you really want to risk getting trampled for a few loss-leaders that stores are pimping for the first hour?  It was bad enough last year when some stores opened after midnight, but this year, they’ve stepped all over my favorite holiday and many opened on Thanksgiving.  Geez!  Is Thanksgiving now just a meal you eat between football quarters while waiting for the stores to open?

I love giving Christmas gifts.  And I love receiving them.  But the most important part of giving/receiving is the thought and love that goes into it.  I think that many parents today feel compelled to provide their children with the latest tech gadgets and games, but what might be more meaningful is the gift of their time…maybe a family vacation, a project to do together like building a model plane, or a day-trip to the zoo.

A couple of years ago, my husband gave me one of my most favorite gifts, ever.  It has nothing to do with technology or the hottest fashion or jewelry trend.  Not that I don’t like either, but this was definitely not a retail store Black Friday item.  It is a remarkable photograph* that now hangs in our entry.  Every time I look at it I smile.

So Kudos to Costco. REI. and Nordstrom and the other stores who chose not to open on Thanksgiving and gave their employees a chance to enjoy the whole holiday.  Stay safe if you venture out today, or maybe stay in and explore the idea of some alternate gifts that don’t require a tug-of-war with your fellow shoppers.

Happy Holidays!

 

 

*The photograph was taken on film by Don Bartletti of the L.A. Times in Mexico in 2003 as he was riding on top of a freight train documenting young people trying to escape to the U.S.  The young children on the horse were racing the train, and Don captured the joy and hope of the moment.  He won a Pulitzer Prize for this photo, and I’m honored to have a signed copy.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by

Your Personal San Diego County Real Estate Consultant

                                                          619-846-9249

www.martikilby.com

http://insidesandiegoshortsales.com

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Comments (17)

Sharon & Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette, IN - Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette homes for sale

Well stated, Marti!  That is an amazing photograph and I could see why it won a Pulitzer!

Nov 29, 2013 01:33 AM
Elite Home Sales Team
Elite Home Sales Team OC - Corona del Mar, CA
A Tenacious and Skilled Real Estate Team

I agree.  Why are people fighting and shooting each other to get a lost leader? 

Nov 29, 2013 01:43 AM
Marti Steele Kilby, CRS
Steele Group Realty - La Mesa, CA
Broker/Owner, San Diego, CA

Thanks Sharon and Bruce.  It is an amazing photo and I never tire of looking at it.

Thanks Tim and Mark :)

Nov 29, 2013 02:44 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer
Martin, I am with you in your opinion of Black Friday. When these sales turn to violent behavior well that is just not acceptable.
Nov 29, 2013 03:33 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Marti love that photo! So alive!!  As for Black Friday shopping - not this one! Decorating yes!

Nov 29, 2013 03:42 AM
Helen and Larry Prier- Re-Max Gateway - Residential Real Estate
RE-MAX Gateway- Residential Real Estate Sales - Anacortes, WA
Anacortes & surrounding Skagit & Island Counties

marti, I totally agree, This is getting ridiculous. Already amarica has the reputation of super consumerism and here is the proof. I am staying out of the way and shop later at my leisure and local stores.

Nov 29, 2013 03:43 AM
Marti Steele Kilby, CRS
Steele Group Realty - La Mesa, CA
Broker/Owner, San Diego, CA

I agree Kathy.  it is really embarassing how some people behave!

I agree Anna.  Decorating is way better than shopping!

Good for you Helen and Larry!

Nov 29, 2013 05:47 AM
John & Shannon Cox
CALL REALTY - Mesa, AZ
THE COX TEAM
I can't bring myself to venture into a store today. Maybe tomorrow. If I miss the deal of the century, then I miss it. Oh well. Not worth losing my sanity over.
Nov 29, 2013 06:03 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

So Kudos to Costco. REI. and Nordstrom and the other stores who chose not to open on Thanksgiving and gave their employees a chance to enjoy the whole holiday. 

Shout to the masses as everyone I talked to may have gotten one gift if that for all their efforts of standing in lines with mostly people that were spending their rent checks and house payments on crap they shouldn't have.

Nov 29, 2013 06:26 AM
Jim Patton
Aspire Home Real Estate 209-404-0816 - Modesto, CA
Realtor - Stanislaus ,Merced, San Joaquin Counties

I agree with you Marti.  It's gotten way out of control and I will not be taking part in any black Friday sales.  That's why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  No pressure on shopping for gifts. 

Nov 29, 2013 07:43 AM
Marti Steele Kilby, CRS
Steele Group Realty - La Mesa, CA
Broker/Owner, San Diego, CA

Amen John and Sandy.  I just can't care that much about "stuff."

I hear you Charles.  Hope you're having a great Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanks Jim.  I agree.  I love Thanksgiving because it isn't a merchandising  opportunity.

Nov 29, 2013 08:15 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

After working in retail, jewelry sales to be exact, I wouldn't be caught dead at a Black Friday event anywhere.  In jewelry, at least, if they are willing to sell it for super cheap, it usually is super cheap.  I once sold diamond solataire earrings that looked like lumps of coal they were so dark.

 

Nov 29, 2013 10:18 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Featured in the group:  BARTENDER, MAKE IT A DOUBLE.

Nov 29, 2013 10:20 AM
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

Hell no I dont even shop today!!!!

I got out and enjoyed the sunshine took my fam to a Nuggets game and then went to dinner!

Thats how to spend day after Thanksgiving to hell with getting anywhere near a mall

Nov 29, 2013 03:25 PM
Marti Steele Kilby, CRS
Steele Group Realty - La Mesa, CA
Broker/Owner, San Diego, CA

Thanks Chris Ann.  You crack me up!  I can't even imagine diamonds that are ugly!

I'm with you David.  Sounds like you had a great day!

Nov 29, 2013 11:29 PM
Carol Zingone
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Network Realty - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Global Realtor in Jax Beach, FL - ABR, CRS, CIPS
I have never participated in Black Friday shopping. I prefer to purchase my gifts from locally owned businesses whenever possible. I like being able to walk from store to store, and have lunch (and a beverage) while I do so.
Dec 01, 2013 12:00 AM
Marti Steele Kilby, CRS
Steele Group Realty - La Mesa, CA
Broker/Owner, San Diego, CA

I agree Carol.  The experience should be enjoyable, not stressful!

Dec 01, 2013 03:26 AM