Kyla Currie | Opinion Editor
December 5, 2024
Every year, millions of shoppers rush to stores on Black Friday, eager to snag what they believe are unbelievable deals. With massive advertisements and dramatic markdowns, retailers promise discounts that seem too good to miss. However, while Black Friday might offer incredible savings, in-person sales are often not as wonderful as they seem—and the stress of navigating the crowds is rarely worth it.
One of the main reasons in-store Black Friday deals aren’t as great as advertised is the nature of the discounts themselves. Many of the deals are on older models or outdated merchandise. Retailers often mark down these dated products, which may not be as desirable or useful as newer items. For instance, new jeans or electronics might have deep discounts, but they could be items that are no longer in demand or lack the latest trends or features. These items are often sold in limited quantities, leaving many shoppers unsatisfied.
Additionally, stores use psychological pricing strategies to make deals seem more enticing. Prices are often slashed drastically, but the original price listed is frequently inflated or artificially high. A 50% off deal might be closer to a 10% discount off the item’s true market value. Junior Scarlett Caldwell said, “I honestly felt better off shopping on a regular day.” Retailers often create a sense of urgency by offering “doorbusters” or “limited-time offers,” prompting shoppers to believe they’re getting the best deal. In reality, these sales are part of a marketing tactic designed to get you into the store and spending rather than offering true savings.
The crowds and chaos are another major downside to Black Friday in-store shopping. Standing in long lines, fighting for parking, and dealing with crowded aisles are some of these downsides that can be exhausting, stressful, and even dangerous. Junior Elliot Hastings said, “There was a two-hour wait at all stores during Black Friday at the Spectrum and it was extremely stressful.” The rush to get the best deal often leads to impulsive buying, where shoppers purchase items they don’t need or even want to avoid missing out. The stress of the experience is not worth it when you factor in the time wasted and the anxiety that comes with it.
With the rise of online shopping, Black Friday deals can instead be accessed from the comfort of your home, without the hassle of in-store crowds. Many retailers offer exclusive online discounts that match or exceed in-person deals, and shopping online allows you to avoid chaos.
In the end, Black Friday in-store sales often don’t live up to the hype. While scoring a massive discount is tempting, it’s important to know the actual value of the items you’re purchasing and the true cost of dealing with the crowds. This year, consider skipping the madness and shopping smarter from home.
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