Black Friday Isn’t Worth It, Stay Safe and Shop From Home!

The month of November is one of the most anticipated months of the year. For some it’s being able to not shave for 30 days, for others, it’s a time to enjoy family and eat some of the best meals of the year. However, for most Americans, it’s the one month where you can buy that flat screen you wanted for 50% off, or those kitchen appliances for a fraction of the price. That’s right, I’m referring to Black Friday or as I like to refer to it, the annual purge.

Significance of November

Varied Significance:
- November holds different meanings for various people, ranging from personal challenges like “No-Shave November” to traditional family gatherings with delicious meals.
- It is also known as a month synonymous with significant shopping opportunities and discounts for many Americans.
Black Friday Excitement:
- Black Friday stands out as a notable event in November, offering substantial discounts on desired items like electronics and kitchen appliances.
- Often referred to humorously as the “annual purge,” highlighting the frenzy and excitement surrounding the shopping extravaganza.
Consumerism Highlight:
- The mention of Black Friday underscores the consumerist aspect of November, where people eagerly anticipate the chance to purchase items they’ve been eyeing at discounted prices, contributing to the commercial essence of the month.

Black Friday has become one of the busiest days of the year for shopping and one of the most dangerous too. There is actually a website that counts how many injuries and deaths occur on Black Friday with almost 100 injuries and 7 deaths to date. I mean, is Black Friday even worth the savings? Sure you might get that new T.V. at a heck of a discount but is it worth being punched, dragged, or even stomped on? There are literally tons of people rushing in through the doors pushing and shoving just to get towels, TOWELS! The life of another human being is surely worth more than a ten dollar towel marked half off. According to the National Retail Federation, next weekend should expect a massive turnout from shoppers. They predict 137.4 million Americans to shop online or hit stores over the weekend, according to a survey by NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The survey found that 21% of Americans plan to shop on Turkey Day with 74% of people planning to hit stores on Black Friday.

Black Friday: The Annual Shopping Frenzy

November Excitement:
- November is eagerly awaited for various reasons:
  - No-Shave November for some.
  - Family gatherings and delicious meals for others.
  - Shopping deals for many Americans.
Black Friday Hype:
- Known as the annual purge for some.
- Offers significant discounts on items like flat screens and kitchen appliances.
Shopping Chaos:
- Black Friday is one of the busiest and most dangerous shopping days.
- Nearly 100 injuries and 7 deaths reported to date.
Is It Worth It?:
- Questioning the value of savings versus potential harm.
- Highlighting the frenzy for discounted items like towels.
Expected Turnout:
- National Retail Federation predicts a massive 137.4 million Americans to shop online or in stores.
- 21% plan to shop on Thanksgiving, while 74% aim for Black Friday deals.

Over recent years the media coverage of this chaotic day has highlighted how dangerous and seriously pointless this consumerist tradition really is. According to Business Insider, Black Friday has “lost its luster.” The truth is that many of the deals aren’t worth it. You can often find many of the same items for a lower cost at different times during the year. According to Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com, “if you’re looking for a quality TV that will hold up for the long run, you’ll want to look for deals right after Christmas through Super Bowl Sunday.”

Reevaluation of Black Friday Tradition

Media Coverage Impact:
- Media reports have increasingly highlighted the negative aspects of Black Friday, emphasizing its chaotic and risky nature.
- Business Insider‘s statement about Black Friday losing its appeal reflects a shift in public perception.
Questionable Deals:
- Despite the hype around Black Friday discounts, many experts argue that the savings may not always be substantial.
- It’s suggested that consumers can often find similar or better deals on products at different times of the year, negating the urgency of Black Friday shopping.
Timing Matters:
- Kyle James, the founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com, advises consumers to consider post-Christmas sales through Super Bowl Sunday for better deals on high-quality electronics like TVs.
- This recommendation underlines the idea that strategic shopping outside of Black Friday can lead to more significant savings without the associated risks and chaos of the traditional shopping event.

The main point to make about all this is that anyone can get these same deals shopping from home. Last year, Americans spent more than $3 billion on Cyber Monday, a marketing term for the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday. You can find better deals for most items including tech and apparel without even having to leave your house! It’s better to stay safe and shop smart this season when you decide to do some holiday shopping and stick to the web.

Shift to Online Shopping

Convenience of Online Shopping:
- Emphasizes the accessibility of similar deals from the comfort of one’s home, avoiding the chaos associated with traditional in-store shopping.
- Indicates that consumers can secure better deals on various products, such as technology and clothing, through online platforms.
Cyber Monday‘s Impact:
- Mentions the significant spending during Cyber Monday, which follows Thanksgiving weekend, highlighting the popularity of online shopping.
- Last year’s $3 billion expenditure on Cyber Monday underscores the growing trend of digital shopping.
Safety and Smart Shopping:
- Encourages shoppers to prioritize safety and smart shopping practices by opting for online purchases.
- Suggests that sticking to online shopping during the holiday season can lead to better deals and a safer shopping experience compared to in-store alternatives.