On Thanksgiving Day, I did what any respectable guy would do. Besides stuffing my face, I took some time to browse the sale papers for Friday\’s big bonanza. I found the usual suspects. Circuit City, Comp USA, Best Buy and Ultimate Electronics. Even Target\’s ad got a once over from me.
Many of the bargains looked quite appealing, but there was no way in the world I was going to get up at 5:30 am to be at a store by 6 am. So I leisurely rose around 9 am, took my time getting dressed, checked my email, and was in my car by 10 am.
First stop? Office Depot. The store was not busy at all. I picked up a Microsoft wireless keyboard/mouse combo for $15 after rebate. I picked up a linksys router AND wireless pcmcia card for $10 after rebate. I stocked up on some AA batteries, something like $6 for two dozen. I got 150 blank CD-Rs for $18.00. And I happily snagged a 15 pack of DVD-R discs for $5.00.
Next it was off to Target. Expecting the very worst, I braced myself for a zoo-like atmosphere. I can\’t say I was disappointed when the checkout lanes were no worse than any average Saturday. So I took off for the DVDs first. I picked up a copy of The Day After Tomorrow for $8.88 (I know it is liberal lunacy but it should play nicely on my home theater!), The Simpsons 4th Season for $17.88 and Mulan special edition for $12.88. I picked up a couple gifts for the kids, some milk for Mary and I was on my way.
I spoke with an individual that said Best Buy was likely to have some unhappy customers on their hands. They were supposed to have opened up at 6 am, but apparantly there were so many people waiting earlier that they opened the doors at 4:30 am and then wouldn\’t let anyone else in until the original time. Well, the people who got there earlier made off like bandits, leaving the rest bitter and disappointed that they missed the best stuff. Hardly a best buy, huh?
The analysts are saying that spending is going to be down from last year due to high gas prices and an uncertain economy. I guess we\’ll wait and see.
By the way, for those who don\’t know WHY it is called Black Friday, it is because the day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the day where retailers move from being in the red to entering the black and turning a profit. A little bit of seasonal trivia for you. No charge.