Buyer Beware!
While I love the holiday season, I do NOT like shopping during the holiday season.
There are many reasons for my lack of enthusiasm but my BIGGEST reason is the rampant consumerism that has turned an otherwise joyous time into one of greed, envy and in some instances, an out right disregard for our fellow man. Let me show you what I mean by addressing the annual kick off to the holiday shopping season: BLACK FRIDAY
In recent years, Black Friday has turned into a battle field. What used to be an annual early morning shopping trek the day after Thanksgiving, has morphed into a knock down drag out fight for the "coveted" deals any number of retailers might be offering. Some people truly lose their mind on this day! A case in point: Last year at a Wal-Mart in NY, a worker was trampled to death when the shoppers broke through the doors in a mad rush to get to the best deals. They even got ANGRY, that's right ANGRY, when the store announced it would close due to the death. Is this what our culture has become? One where we care more about the unbelievable deal on the Plasma TV (that is sold out before the second person even enters the store by the way) more than we care about another human beings life??? How pathetic.
While I blame peoples misplaced priorities for these incidents, I don't feel the retailers should get off scott-free because of what I believe are their questionable marketing practices. Let me give a reality check for those of you who enjoy this excursion into utter madness:
Most people will NOT get the best bargains that appear in the advertisements! Why? Because most shoppers don't read the fine print that says "While supplies last" "Only 3 per store" or "Limited quantities".
I find it odd that these behemoth retailers can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising for this day in order to whip people into a frenzy but can't manage to scrape together more than 3 or 4 of said items. So when you have misplaced priorities fueled by a scarcity mentality, a horrible economy, and too little sleep its little wonder those fistfights, stampedes and possibly even a death can occur.
I refuse to participate in this debacle and while I appreciate a good deal like everyone else, no high definition TV or super duper low priced computer is worth a trip to the hospital or, God forbid, my life.
Though I wish more people would stop "buying" into this insanity, I realize that for some folks it's the thrill and excitement and the possibility of snagging the ultimate bargain that keeps them going back year after year. So, to all of you shoppers out there just waiting for Friday, take heed. Read the fine print BEFORE you go so you know what you are up against. Remember those other shoppers are after the same deals you are....and some may do anything to get it.
Think. Be smart and be safe.
But most of all, remember what the holidays are all about. That latest and greatest gadget or the coolest pair of designer shoes is not worth fighting over. After all, I'm sure that your special someone would rather have your "presence" any day than your "presents" that may put you in the hospital.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Comments(7)