Black Friday

November is a time for family, friends, and turkey—but for some, Black Friday is the real holiday. It’s the time when the deals drop, couponers get to work, and shoppers head out to stores to hunt for the best sales. People line up outside in the early morning chill, hoping to snag unbeatable bargains.

That’s not always the case today. Many shoppers now look for deals both in stores and online, as technology has shifted some of the shopping activity to digital events like Cyber Monday. While Black Friday remains a major shopping day, its role in the retail calendar has evolved over time.

“I haven't gone Black Friday shopping in forever. I would much rather sit in the comfort of my own home, log onto my computer, and buy the sale items,” NHS junior Nicole Kirsch said. “Going into the store is overwhelming due to the mass amounts of people who will fight for their items. The idea stresses me out. So for me, Cyber Monday is the way to go.”

The idea of fights breaking out in stores on Black Friday is a common stereotype tied to the event, along with the image of packed aisles and chaotic crowds. The cabbage patch doll was the new Cabbage doll erupted with a plethora of problems. Every child had to get their hands on this new toy. At a Zayre department store in Pennsylvania a riot broke out over the dolls. The manager grabbed a bat to protect himself. So  for many, sitting on the couch and shopping online is far less stressful.

Of course, the main reason for shopping during these sales is to get the best deal and the most value for your dollar. That’s what drives people to line up outside stores or scour websites for discounts. 

While everyone has their own preference, many NHS students still favor Black Friday for its in-person bargains.

“I feel like the deals on Black Friday are better than the deals on Cyber Monday. Online stores always have deals. From what I’ve seen, Black Friday has more of a discount in person,” NHS junior Caitlyn Brosius said.

Over the years, Brosius has found that her best savings come from shopping in person—proving that, for some, the Black Friday tradition is still alive and well.

The official Amazon website says “Amazon's Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday deal events run from November 20 through December 1, featuring millions of deals across popular categories.” Amazon is already on the start of their own Cyber Monday. But they also include Black Friday.

Making sure you secure the best items before they are gone is another thing to incorporate into your choice of choosing Black Friday or Cyber Monday.  While on Cyber Monday items sell out fast, Black Friday requires extreme dedication. Both of which require strategy. In the end the decision comes down to personal preference. Whether you're waiting out the long lines outside the store or sitting at home at your computer one thing stays the same. Everyone is searching for the best deals.