Joe Holden
Imagine this. A toy store manager arrives at the Mall of America at 4:30 a.m. to hand out numbers for the hottest toys currently on the market. When the numbers run out that means the toy is sold out. What other day could provoke such a craze among ordinarily well-mannered adults? Besides Christmas Eve, that day would be black Friday. Black Friday is traditionally the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year the mayhem will begin on Nov. 3.
Black Friday was labeled as such because on that particular day retailers generate enough revenue to put their ledgers “into the black.” The day also, of course, kicks off the stressful holiday season. For those who procrastinate in their gift purchasing, this may be the first day of many in their month long credit “maxing” frenzy. The fortunate one’s who begin their shopping earlier in the year may be afforded the luxury of relaxing all day eating turkey sandwiches.
The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that retailers earn one quarter of their total sales for the year in the five weeks before Christmas. This year, the National Retail Federation in Washington expects shoppers to spend 183 billion dollars on general merchandise, apparel and furniture.
With the enormous crowds, the greedy customers, and the overall madness, security is tighter and more precautions then ever during the holiday season. Specta Guard LLC is a security company that provides personnel and equipment to 60 shopping centers between New Hampshire and North Carolina. Security makes themselves aware of people who are walking as if they are shopping together but are not really talking to one another. They also look for customers who are walking too close behind others or who are walking too close behind people through the revolving doors, as well as those with shopping bags lined with aluminum foil, which enables them to get safely through lines.
As the rush begins on Nov. 3, so do the sales. Locally you can find many at the nearby King of Prussia Mall, which is the largest shopping center on the East coast. With 8 department stores, 365 shops, and 59 restaurants and eateries, security will be extra tight throughout the entirety of the premises. Macy’s will be having many discounts given the fact that this year marks the 75th annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Shoppers can look forward to 25 percent off all Ralph Lauren men’s clothes, 25 percent off all Joe Boxer underwear and all men’s and women’s coats. Gap women’s, men’s and children’s lines are selling sweaters starting at $39.50, and giving a portion of the proceeds from all purchases to the Make-A-Wish foundation in the spirit of giving.
What is always a season of joy and human awareness, this year there is more of a need then ever to recognize the significance of our fellow man. Sadly, people may fear making the trip to the malls on Black Friday due to the recent attacks of terrorism upon our nation and it is under speculation what results the day may bring. Whether the stores bring in major money as usual or less then expected, it will undoubtedly be interesting.
