Is Black Friday Shopping For You?

Laura Harrison November 22, 2012 at 10:52 pm

I absolutely hate it. I feel awful for the workers. It isn't fair to them. And the stores that do ask for "volunteers" for the holidays (very few-most stores just assign the holiday hours to the workers) aren't such humanitarians. There are hardly any full time workers any more. The part time workers depend on hours and the holiday hours are a necessity. Not a time they actually want to work and be away from their families. It should be mandatory that all stores are closed on Thanksgiving. A one day break from mostly drudgery isnt so much to provide to America's workers.

C.S. November 23, 2012 at 04:28 am

My family and I are staying far, far away! I agree. Stores should be closed to allow all to spend the day with family or friends. Why are we so crazed that we have to shop for Christmas on Thanksgiving day? Why are we so crazed about shopping at all? It is Christ-Mass, not Gift-Mass. Let families give to those in need, especially this year, here in NY.

Beth Propper November 23, 2012 at 12:41 pm

I will not shop on Black Friday, and particularly not on the "new version" of Black Friday that starts on Thanksgiving itself. I wish there were a version of the blue laws that disallowed stores from being open on Sunday to disallow stores from being open on Thanksgiving. It's the one holiday, Thanksgiving, that ALL Americans can enjoy together; workers deserve this holiday as well. And as a matter of civic good: it's important for people to realize that this is a day to think about our country and for being thankful: not for getting a t.v. cheap. There can be an exception for gas stations, food markets, pharmacies, that choose to be open on Thursday, but otherwise, what businesses really are necessities. Perhaps Paul Feiner can look into this for Westchester County?

Dave Gammon November 23, 2012 at 01:00 pm

I used to work retail, so I feel for these people. No one should have to be put through this kind of torture. It's sickening to think of how we have a day of coming together and sharing a quite meal together followed by this mad frenzy of shoppers trampling each other and breaking all sorts of things. A lot of the purchases are going to be returned on 12/26 anyway. I agree. There should have been more focus on helping those in need. People are probably still without power. So many are displaced / homeless and they will probably continue to be through Christmas.

claudia jones November 23, 2012 at 01:08 pm

Not for me!
I've found great online deals, last week, Lands End offered free shipping plus a $25.00 off on my order. I purchased a down jacket & three tops, all on sales for $66.00. I saved more than I spent & didn't leave the house, saved time, gas & energy. When the kids were little, I would have all the shopping done & gifts wrapped by Thanksgiving. Then I was able to enjoy the holiday, baking & the family. Best sales are after Christmas! Used to do lots of shopping then. I crochet afghans for family & friends, the best gifts are handmade from the heart ;))

Jeanne Gilholm November 23, 2012 at 01:46 pm

Not for me either. I start Christmas shopping way before so I won't join the crowds standing in line in the cold night air. I do feel sorry for the retail workers who have to work long hours for minimum wages. The ones who really rake in the dough are the foreign countries that make the stuff and ship it over here. I wish more products were "MADE IN THE U.S.A."

Fleetwood Mod November 23, 2012 at 02:49 pm

I worked way too many holidays in retail to ever want to be part of the shopping hordes on Black Friday. A home-cooked meal, a bottle of wine and good fellowship mean more to me now than anything in a gift wrapped box.

Susan Riley November 23, 2012 at 03:29 pm

I think the whole idea of Black Friday is great - shopping in your home community and bolstering the local economy. However, these crazy midnight hours etc really hurt families and those trying to spend down time with loved ones. Black Friday - yes, but with normal business hours please!

Patricia November 23, 2012 at 06:26 pm

It's not for me but I do not see the need for any laws requiring a business to be closed. If you don't want to go shopping than don't go, do you really need a law to help you out with that.

Patricia November 23, 2012 at 06:30 pm

Beth, why do we need a law for that? Just don't go shopping that night or day and problem solved. I am home today and black friday means eating left overs and spending time at home, I don't need a law to help with that, do you?

Liz Claire November 23, 2012 at 07:14 pm

Black Friday at the Coop in Downtown Peekskill was awesome, but I wouldn't go anywhere near Cortlandt Town Center today.

Kirsten Berger November 24, 2012 at 03:42 am

Patricia, the law would help those working in retail actually get a day off per week (like Sundays) as well as holidays, something that people who work in other lines of work take for granted. Choosing to stay home and not shop is not going to be getting an associate at Walmart the day off.

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