I Survived
See the line of people in the photo up there?
Notice the darkness?
I nabbed that shot at 4am, incognito from my car searching for a parking spot.
I also eventually stood in that line. Only I was about half a mile down towards the right, behind a few hundred people, as the line wrapped around the store.
As you may have guessed, I took part in the madness known as “Black Friday” last week.
I had only heard stories about the major deals and bargains to be found on this shopping extravaganza day. And since this would be my first time participating, I figured what why not head to the Holy Grail of discount merchandise…
…Walmart.
I know, I know. Have I no shame? Sanity? But we have several birthdays, nieces, and nephews to buy for in December and January this year. And with Dadisodes’ lay-off, we are on a major budget.
I’m guessing those people standing directly outside the front door were standing there since midnight.
Their doors opened at 5am. I arrived around 4:15am.
It was 30F degrees outside…and windy.
Standing in that line for 45 minutes sucked.
After about 10 minutes I was certain everyone around me was waiting for me to collapse. So they could rotisserie my ass to survive waiting out in the cold. With people wrapped in blankets and tall insulated thermoses full of coffee, it was clear these people were out for retail blood.
Did you hear someone at a Walmart location in NY was trampled to death on Black Friday?
Thankfully this store allowed shoppers to enter in shifts. To avoid a stampede, about a dozen employees stood at the doorway allowing only small groups to enter at a time. All of them warned, “All we ask is that you shop with a level head…”
Their words deafened by the sound of carts screeching and crashing along shopping isles. Items flung from the shelves onto the floor and into carts. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a sea of frenzied shoppers actually made me a bit claustrophobic at times. But thankfully, I was not shopping for what most people were aiming for (electronics) so I only had to pass through those tight areas.
Overall, I hit up Walmart, Old Navy, Target, and Costco in a few hours. Most of the stores were empty here, minus the Malmart hysteria. I found the best deals at Walmart and Old Navy (pajama sets for $4, exercise outfits $8, coat $8, fleece blankets $4, Disney sweaters $4).
Am I willing to do this again next year? Mmmmm…maybe.
How about you? Were you part of the Black Friday crowds?
Did you wait for today’s Cyber Monday deals online?
(Santa is only bringing the tricycle and 2 sweaters to Babisodes. And yes, I bought socks.)
Yikes. I hate retail at the best of times, but usually I have the security of a 2″ wide counter between me and the customer. Pushing and shoving isn’t my idea of fun at all. I’d rather go without TV.
December 1st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Okay, maybe I’ll try it next year… Who knows?
SarahHub @ Oakbriar Farm’s last blog post..Rejoice! Rejoice!
December 1st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
You are one brave soul!
I was out there a for a few years. It was fun! And even now, I get tempted just for the chaos and running around. There’s part of me that loves that cold weather in the dark. But then, I quickly feel tired and wonder if I am too old! Haha – crazy, I know!
Glad that it seems your endeavors were a success!
December 1st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Glad you survived. The fleece blankets have been on sale for $4 here in Oklahoma for about a month.
Undercover Princess’s last blog post..Wow
December 1st, 2008 at 4:16 pm
wow, you really are brave, Sandy! I stayed up late Thursday night (til about 2:30) shopping online and maybe got 30% of my shopping done. But I was bad and also bought stuff for me too!
Bri’s last blog post..Walt Disney Concert Hall
December 1st, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I love shopping, but have no plans on ever participating in that mess! I get really cranky in crowds. You are one brave woman!
December 1st, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Wow. You are brave.
I have never participated in the Black Friday ritual. I’m too scared. I did go shopping on Friday but in the afternoon and not at any of the major freak out stores.
So glad you survived and were successful!
December 1st, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Our Black Friday started off at Walmart as well, but ours is a 24 hour place so our 45 minute wait was nice and warm spent hunkered at the first item I wanted… Otherwise, it would have been a nippy 22 degree wait outside as well. There were some ladies after my prize that had gotten there around 2:30 am (sale started at 5am as well here.)
Cindy’s last blog post..November Ends
December 1st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Nope … I skipped the whole Black Friday mess. I’m glad you managed to get in & out safely with your purchases.
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller’s last blog post..Monday Morning Musings
December 1st, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Wow! It’s pure madness! He he! I don’t go to Mall Sales here in our country. It’s hard to have people shove, push and elbow me while walking. At least you are somewhat done with your Christmas and birthday shopping, I haven’t started mine yet. *laziness*
ceemee’s last blog post..Ponder Her
December 1st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I don’t live too far from the Walmart where the employee was trampled to death. How awful!! People tried to help but they were pushed out of the way. It’s upsetting that bargains are more important than a life of an innocent man.
December 1st, 2008 at 8:27 pm
that wal mart incident really disturbed me. people wanted deals more, are they still human?? i skipped black friday. i figure all the deals are the same and there are plenty of things for me to find even after….
savvymode sg’s last blog post..Make a Statement with David Yurman
December 1st, 2008 at 8:31 pm
you are a braver woman that i am …
the planet of janet’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: the what-the-?? edition
December 1st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
My husband and I went to Target around noon because of the deals they had on DVD’s. I figured if they had sold out of the two I really wanted to get my daughter it wouldn’t be a big deal, and $6 for the movie 27 Dresses was not worth getting up early.
They had piles of DVDs for $4, $6 and $8, and TV series for $14, so the kids are gonna get a pile of DVDs again. It was crowded, but this is the first Target store in Alaska and it’s only been open for a month or so, so it’s always crowded.
So we blew $300 at Target, then went home and had leftover turkey and stuffing. Skipped all the other stores, the other sales, were not tempted to go shopping anywhere else.
julie’s last blog post..Wave on the rooftop
December 1st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
My daughter was out shopping at midnight Friday morning. I went back out with her later in the afternoon. I mainly people watched and didn’t shop. I really hate crowds like this. It’s so much easier to shop online.
December 1st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
You’re a brave woman.
I’ve gone really early just once because I just hadn’t gone to bed yet (night owl on a 4 day weekend), and it was OK, but not something I ever really make a point of doing. It’s fun hearing about everyone else getting great deals, though!
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Along for the Ride
December 1st, 2008 at 10:31 pm
NO WAY! I am never up before the sun even for a good sale. All of my shopping this year is online…Amazon and Toysrus for the kids and then local artisan shops for the rest. Done!
Michelle’s last blog post..Comment on Ask the Lady…Scarves by lceel
December 1st, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Wow, you sure did get some great deals.
I did not leave our house from Wednesday afternoon until this morning, except to get a coffee at the little shop up the road a couple of times.
I am doing (internet) gift cards from EVERYTRIBE to help Kelly’s school raise money, also it helps charity by the cards themselves and won’t cost but a couple stamps to mail to Canada and overseas.
Glad you survived! Bet you were glad to get out of that cold.
Jannie’s last blog post..And some SEO in a pear tree
December 1st, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I scored some awesome deals online black Friday. No braving the stores for me! We are scaling way back this holiday so not too many presents here. Thanks to the economy.
Talina’s last blog post..Pondering poo and freezing.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I took it pretty hard when money got tight, feeling like it was my failure (and still pretty much do), but I think it’s helped me to see more clearly some of the more genuine ideals of Christmas, not the commercial gifting.
I’ve never once done a black friday thing. I was tempted for a tv this year to replace our 15 year old one that buzzes a little, but I heard that tvs will be dropping in price quite a bit in the coming months because of a price collusion court case.
Clayjack’s last blog post..“Shit, Gramma!” And Other Thanskgiving Stories
December 1st, 2008 at 11:26 pm
You’re crazy Sandy! Never would I do that. =)
My wife wanted to go to Kohl’s, but couldn’t get up!
December 1st, 2008 at 11:33 pm
You are nutso..lol.. I did it once.. never ever again.. I like my warm bed too much.. I love the incognito picture..lol
Kim’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
December 1st, 2008 at 11:38 pm
There should be a medal – you know – like a Bronze Star or something – for bravery above and beyond.
lceel’s last blog post..Tis the season for ….
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:06 am
I did cyber monday today,and got some good deals. WAAAY warmer than black Friday:)
brittany’s last blog post..MISSION MONDAY!
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
UGH!! NEVER!!!!! I don’t really like shopping so the busiest day of the year is not going to happen.
You’re crazy!!
Grandy’s last blog post..The Sweet Old Man
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 am
Glad to hear the the Wal Mart where you went seemed to be better prepared and took precautions to control the crowd. I don’t blame everybody for wanting to get some good deals. I don’t think it is simply greed that is motivating most people but tougher times so I don’t judge people for going out. I do hold the retailers responsible though. They need to make sure they have done their best to make sure that it is safe.
Christine’s last blog post..Seward Park
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:23 am
wow, it’s crazy..havent join this type of shopping before
Hazel’s last blog post..Feel Satisfied with Your Job?
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:30 am
Wow…I am just stunned. I just don’t have it in me, that is EARLY!
Nap Warden’s last blog post..Fun…right?
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:31 am
You know I didn’t do Black Friday — although 7:00 isn’t exactly sleeping in it is better than 4:14.
Glad to see that you found some bargins. And that babisodes is getting just the right amount of stuff. And what is wrong with getting socks. Everyone needs new socks that are thick and warm in the winter.
Patsy’s last blog post..A Time to Shine
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 am
Man.. the only time I was in a parking lot at those wee hours was for Pink Floyd tickets
sugarplumsmom’s last blog post..Additions to the Family
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:18 am
I am envious – we don’t have that here. We DO have Boxing Day the day after Xmas, which USED to be one for great deals. But I want the great deals FOR Xmas shopping. Good for you, for braving it!
Zoeyjane’s last blog post..On Being Part of the Solution
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:50 am
Yeah never again! Enough said.
Elaine B.’s last blog post..What`s it Worth to You?
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:28 am
You’re adventurous! Glad you got some good deals.
Asianmommy’s last blog post..Our Favorite Outdoor Winter Activities
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 am
Yay, you got neat items…and you survived! I’m trying to do the same…checking clearance sale online…and don’t laugh…but, I just ordered 6 dresses through Amazon…and they’re all less than $100! LOL
Amazing!!! Why haven’t I thought of it!
Mariposa’s last blog post..I’m Just Human
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:48 am
We wnt shopping Black Friday at 8:00 that night!!! It was pretty empty at our local Wally World and the items that were on “black friday sale” were still available!! Double Bonus.
If you do not mind me asking, what do you mean Santa is only bringing the tricycle and shirt? Do you donate the rest? Or tell her it’s from you guys? Me is confused???
Average Girl’s last blog post..Thanksgiving 2008
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
Oh no. I wouldn’t do this. Nope.
I am the first for a bargain. But I usually go during the year and I go into those little thrift stores.
Especially while I was in Korea and Kuwait.
And the fleece blankies. I got similar ones (identically wrapped), once in Kuwait for 3 Dollars and at IKEA here in Austria for about 3 Dollars
I really rather go when there’s no big hubub and look for bargains then.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Kudos! I went shopping on Black Friday once am still in therapy as a result! People seem to lose all sense of reason at 5:00 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving, maybe it’s the result of too much pumpkin pie…
I’m glad you got some good deals though!
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I went to Walgreens at 9 and Target at 11am. Still had everything I wanted at great prices. Woo hoo for sleeping in!
CC’s last blog post..Marvelous Children’s Book Monday: Charlotte’s Web
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
No black friday shopping for me. I was so tempted. This was the first time I was off and had money, but the thought of all the people made me sick. I hate shopping on a regular day, to go on black friday, I would be upset. Maybe I’ll do it one day. But I think I’m going to try cyber monday, although I am not use to shopping online as yet.
F.P.E.’s last blog post..Is there really sex after birth?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I didn’t do it this year b/c I’m making gifts, but Black Friday doesn’t bother me all that much. Could have a LOT to do with the fact we don’t have lines that huge in this small town! That’s what you could do! –Go to a small town next Black Friday (with a Walmart) and stand in a much smaller line! lol Or, no line!
I wouldn’t mind standing in a line, I guess if there were things with great deals that we needed – but, I wouldn’t be a part of the crowd that goes half nuts if they don’t get what they wanted either!
Glad you came out okay! lol
Ashley’s last blog post..Homemade Christmas Gifts
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I skipped it all in favor of cheapo tuesday.
and then wrote poems as gifts and framed em.
MizFit’s last blog post..A Tuesday Motorola Testdrive.
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I participated in Black Friday for the last 2-3 years. Last year, in particular, we went to the outlet Midnight Madness, where all the stores opened at 12am. It took us an hour to find parking, even though outlet parking lots are huge.
There were so many people, and it was interesting to be shopping with everyone at 2am in the morning. I know a lot of people camp outside of stores and wait for them to open some time in the early morning, but actually being inside the stores at an odd hour like 2am was an interesting and bizzare experience. Sales were pretty good – Coach had 40% off, Juicy Couture had 25% off, etc. Most of the people go there to buy brand name stuff for less.
My boyfriend and I were going to go this year, but was too tired to. Perhaps I’d give it another shot next year.
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Congrats on surviving Black Friday. You are way more brave than I! I hate shopping in the first place so I won’t even attempt Black Friday.
Jeanne’s last blog post..It’s Worse Than I Thought
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I’m glad you got some good deals and got some things off your to do list this holiday season. After working in retail in high school (Target) I can’t deal with the black Friday crowds.
Kristi’s last blog post..
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
You are insane! I avoid Black Friday like the plague. And stupid me didn’t even know it was Cyber Monday until I had to call the American Girl customer service and give them a piece of my mind about my crappy online shopping experience. Apparently every mom with a 7 year old daughter in America was on the site at the exact same time!
amy’s last blog post..Well, I’ve got some to spare
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Yikes… that’s scary. And you have a lot of energy. I guess necessity is the mother of invention. Or maybe it’s just a mother…
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..How to Clean Your Kitchen
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I was not brave enough…I prefer shopping from the comfort of my home while wearing jammies and sipping cocoa.
kontan’s last blog post..Reading
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Your a crazy lady. I live in the sunshine of So Cal and I would never drag my butt up that early no matter what the deal was. Great to hear you were successful..
Mike’s last blog post..Logic and Teenagers
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:24 am
Wow! The hubby and I had to work. Also we enjoy shopping online.
Rona’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – December 3
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:49 am
I already gathered that Black Friday is a shopping frenzy, but this is madness! Trampling people to death like in New York just to get in?
Waiting for five hours in front of the shop just to be first?
I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to do this!
Jientje’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday, A place to rest …
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
There is nothing that can make me leave my warm house on that day.
Abs.o.lutely nothing.
Sarcastic Mom’s last blog post..Will this ever end? HELL TO THE NO!
December 4th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
You are totally insane. I have never and will never set foot in a store on Black Friday! Then again, I did wait in line on a January morning at 7:30am to get a Wii at Target, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Angela at mommy bytes’s last blog post..Photo Hunters – Breakfast
December 8th, 2008 at 10:44 am