Are you going in for the Black Friday shopping mania?

[easysurfer]

Not me. Did the Black Friday thing a few years back and I don't want to be in such a mob again. My plan is to stay at home until Monday when the first weekend of holiday madness is over

[Ready]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever So funny--I ordered two on line from Apple today, for a total of $150 in bonus gift cards for the two; we live in a much more populous area than your <100,000 and I did not want to go near a store, Then DH went to Dick's Sporting Goods (to exchange a birthday present that needed to be ordered). Although it was quite busy, he asked a floor clerk if he had to stand in the long line for an exchange and the guy took care of it himself right away. Let me know where else you are shopping so I can coordinate our purchases

That was a great deal on iPads at Target. Did you also get a 20% off coupon for a future purchase? If you can use those on Apple and Bose products, that's a fantastic coupon. I kept thinking about buying an iPad but eventually decided my iPad 4 was good enough.

[Ready]

I decided to venture to Costco today to return a TV set we bought a few days earlier and replace it with a slightly better one. I dreaded the thought of waiting in the return line on Black Friday, and then having to navigate through the store and wait in the checkout line to buy the new set. But ultimately we decided we wanted to get it over with so we ventured out.

To my surprise, we got a parking space right by the front entrance. There was absolutely NOBODY waiting in the return line, and it took less than five minutes to check out with the new set. I kept thinking something must be wrong here, but it was a completely uneventful experience!

[Birdie Num Nums]

I did the Black Friday thing for the first time a few years ago, a couple of times. Did it mostly not to find cheap prices for anything but to have that very early morning experience--to see what it was like. I went from place to place, was among some crowds here and there, and occasionally stopped for something to eat or drink--all the while people-watching. It was enjoyable. But it's not something that I want to do every Black Friday.

[GalaxyBoy]

Went and got a tree at a little country store near me, as soon as they opened. They always have the best trees, which are very fresh.

There was hardly anyone there and I mentioned that to the cashier who said everyone was at the mall and they should get a crowd in the afternoon.

Tree in stand and up by 11:00; spent the PM decorating. Had to cut it short to cook something for my cousin's annual day-after-Thanksgiving potluck. We just got back and had a grand time. His side of the family plays bluegrass so there's always a jam session.

Go to the mall? Seriously??

[aja8888]

I bought a new toilet at Lowes this afternoon for full price. Certainly not a Black Friday event!

[audreyh1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aja8888 I bought a new toilet at Lowes this afternoon for full price. Certainly not a Black Friday event!

No more like a Black Water event!

Full price!!

[Bigal50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frayne I avoid the malls like a plague between Black Friday and Jan.1.

+1

Except I would say ALL stores, except my local grocery.

[Walt34]

Quote:

Originally Posted by audreyh1 No more like a Black Water event! Full price!!

Well, when ya gotta have one ya gotta have one. The alternative is...?

At the risk of sending this thread down the toilet let's hear it from the DIY crowd. Duct tape and cardboard?

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34 Duct tape and cardboard?

Guess that would do if corncobs are in short supply, but ouch!

[aja8888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by audreyh1 Full price!!

Well, of course, full price means the lowest price stated and about 100% less than Kohler MSRP!

[KM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever So funny--I ordered two on line from Apple today, for a total of $150 in bonus gift cards for the two; we live in a much more populous area than your <100,000 and I did not want to go near a store, Then DH went to Dick's Sporting Goods (to exchange a birthday present that needed to be ordered). Although it was quite busy, he asked a floor clerk if he had to stand in the long line for an exchange and the guy took care of it himself right away. Let me know where else you are shopping so I can coordinate our purchases

LOL - could you pick me up a new computer mouse when you go out?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ready That was a great deal on iPads at Target. Did you also get a 20% off coupon for a future purchase? If you can use those on Apple and Bose products, that's a fantastic coupon. I kept thinking about buying an iPad but eventually decided my iPad 4 was good enough.

There was nothing about a 20% off coupon? - just the $100 GC per Apple product. I agree with you, if I (or DD/SIL) already had an Ipad, I wouldn't be buying a new one. I am amazed at how people keep buying the latest model IPhone, Ipad, each year or two.

We didn't really "need" an Ipad - it is definitely a luxury, but at the "net $379" price, it was a bit hard to continue resisting the desire to get one. We travel a lot and it will be easier than having the computer all the time. And DD/SIL are too cheap to ever buy themselves one, so I think they will enjoy it.

Besides, I am significantly "under budget" my first year of retirement. Got to spend the money somewhere.....

[Mr. Paul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frayne I avoid the malls like a plague between Black Friday and Jan.1.

This.

We also avoid malls the other 47 weeks as well.

[Ready]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KM LOL - could you pick me up a new computer mouse when you go out? There was nothing about a 20% off coupon? - just the $100 GC per Apple product. I agree with you, if I (or DD/SIL) already had an Ipad, I wouldn't be buying a new one. I am amazed at how people keep buying the latest model IPhone, Ipad, each year or two.

Target had a promotion where if you spend a minimum of $75.00 on black Friday, you would be issued a 20% off coupon good for one shopping trip from December 1-7. In looking through the terms and conditions, it did not appear there were many exclusions, which meant you could buy an unlimited number of Apple and Bose products next week at 20% off. I only mention this because normally it's so hard to get those products at discounts that a 20% discount is quite significant.

Looking at some internet sites, it was suggested that the coupon might restrict you from using them on Apple and Bose products. I don't see how they could since it was not mentioned on the promotion, but I'm curious to see if anyone successfully got the coupon and is able to get the discounts next week.

[jollystomper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdie Num Nums I did the Black Friday thing for the first time a few years ago, a couple of times. Did it mostly not to find cheap prices for anything but to have that very early morning experience--to see what it was like. I went from place to place, was among some crowds here and there, and occasionally stopped for something to eat or drink--all the while people-watching. It was enjoyable. But it's not something that I want to do every Black Friday.

+1

I go ever few years more to observe and be "entertained" than to buy. IN my experience it has evolved from somewhat of a "camaraderie" session among those getting up early to find a bargain to "every person for themselves" mob chaos.

I also enjoy checking eBay to see how quickly the drastically marked down electronics in the stores end up for sale there.

[Revlefty]

From our house on the hill, we overlook Wally World's parking lot. At times it looks like the trail of headlights at the end of Field of Dreams. They were parking across the street at the bank and the Knights of Columbus Hall parking lots. I, on the other hand, stayed as far away as I could.

[NW-Bound]

This video tells me what I am missing by not going shopping during the holiday season. Heck, I rarely even go shopping the rest of the year.

I saw this video linked on a major Web site. It got 1 million views yesterday, and is up to 7 millions now.

Black Friday 2013: Walmart Kicked Me Out For THIS video - YouTube

[FIREd]

DW and I decided to go to a few department stores tonight, to see their holiday decorations. We have 6 of them just down the street from us (Union Square in San Francisco), so why not. We won't have to deal with parking or long checkout lines since we don't plan on buying anything. I've heard Macy's has a nice holiday display. I looked for deals online yesterday and did not find anything worth buying.

[imoldernu]

denouement:

DW and I drove to WalMart this morning Sat. AM... Parking lot about 1/8 full. Only evidence of survival was in the form of employees cleaning up the devastation... Shelves very empty... big spaces. In the electronics department, the ONLY things left were 2 million colored phone covers, and almost as many $28 HDMI cords. Even the display computers were gone. Empty shelves and aisles filled with handtrucks filled with replenishment.
Had to have been a successful sale.

We drove around back, and saw 20 - 18 wheeler containers... waiting to be put instock. Reports of the demise of the big box store masy have been exagerrated.

[M Paquette]

Oh my, NO! Besides the crowds, it would be disrespectful. I believe Black Friday and Christmas shopping in general is why the Glow Cloud gave us the World Wide Web.

All hail the Glow Cloud!