Some years ago when I was working at corporate headquarters for a big box retailer, I would arise at an ungodly hour each year on the day after Thanksgiving to assist customers at one of their stores on what they referred to as “Green” Friday. I was never a big Black Friday shopper so being in stores on that day was to say the least, illuminating. Customers lined up early and when the doors opened at 5am, we all stood back lest we be trampled.
Bargain hunting before dawn definitely appeals to many because Black Friday sales were up over 6% this year. I prefer to do my shopping from the comfort of my computer keyboard so Cyber Monday is more my speed. Already poised to exceed last year’s sales, the bargains will continue through what is now being dubbed Cyber Week with online specials from Walmart and others.
Some people denounce these sales ploys but I think it’s smart of retailers to offer Black Friday deals in advance of the actual day as well as deals throughout the week that begins with Cyber Monday. Investors think so too. Stocks surged today on the news of strong holiday sales. Maybe after years of cutting back, American consumers are opening their wallets and retailers could have a Green Christmas.
