Today is Black Friday, and sorry, retailers, I didn't spend a dime today. There is nothing that I am willing to stand in line for at 2 a.m. in the morning with a bunch of crazed shoppers, no matter how incredibly cheap it is. The story in today's headlines about the woman who sprayed pepper spray on other shoppers so she could get a deeply discounted item she wanted is beyond comprehension and an abuse of what the holiday season is all about.
This is going to be a very weird holiday season, after all. It's tough to get your head around the high unemploynment rates, foreclosure rates and the real, hidden story of the economic downturn--hundreds of thousands of people living in upscale and middle-class neighborhoods putting on a brave face while debt mounts, credit card bills go unpaid, and relationships crumble under the stress of trying to keep up the charade of prosperity. You wouldn't know it by the retail ads on TV...the happy faces, shoppers carrying bags and bags of fresh new purchases. No mention of how they are supposed to pay for all that "stuff" and what to do when the bills come in January.
If the Occupy (take your pick of cities) people are right, who are all those people out shopping on Black Friday? That's more than the 1% rich people. No, it's all of us, the 100% with credit cards flashing, dazed by 50% off signs, IPads for $100 (only two in the store)and mesmerized by the sparkling lights and holiday music. My take is that they are not right. The reality is, the holidays suggest, no almost require, you to get out and buy. Not having the money isn't an excuse. On Christmas Day, you gotta have something for little Jimmy or Aunt Helen under the tree. And if you really love your spouse, there will be a shiny new Lexus in the driveway topped with a gigantic red bow.
The sad, reality part of all this is we really do need to get out and shop. The consequences of not shopping on Black Friday or the rest of the holiday season would be devastating to the economy. Retailers, especially small businesses, make 40% of their annual sales between Black Friday and Christmas Day. If they don't make it, they may have to close up, leaving hundreds or thousands of people without jobs. And, the ripple effect to suppliers, delivery services and countless websites would be astounding.
So, get out and shop. Actually, I did buy something today...a book from Amazon.com for a business proposal I am submitting. This year, I'm going to shop, but I'm going to try to give gifts that are more than bling or just "something" under the tree. I'm not a bargain shopper willing to stand in line for hours to save $5. And I'm sort of over "stuff." I'd rather give experiences--summer art camp for the grandchildren, an advanced class on digital photography at SCAD for my husband, or a spa visit or golf lessons. Something to enrich someone's life, open new doors or just make them feel good.
Are you changing your shopping habits or the way you celebrate the holidays this year? I'd love to have your comments and thoughts on the subject.
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