Why is Friday Black?

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Are you curious about the term “Black Friday”? I was. So I looked it up. The best explanation attributes it to a statement made by the Philadelphia Police Department in 1966 as a reference to traffic jams and crowds in that fair city on the day after Thanksgiving.

Another source says it’s from the 70’s.

But perhaps none of that matters. To some, it’s a day that no one wants to be involved with. For others, it means getting Guitar Hero at half price.

And it’s no longer Friday. Wal Mart opens at 10PM on Thanksgiving evening this year for Black Friday. With this lousy economy, were employees were lining up to make a few extra bucks despite missing out on festivities at home?

Many big box stores will open at midnight, including Kohl’s, Macy’s, Target and Best Buy. Will you be on line, waiting to get in?

Two years ago, I stood outside of a Target at 4:30AM. Luckily, it was in Southern California, and a comfortable 55 degrees. Now keep in mind, for native Californians, this is more aligned to 20 degrees to them. Many wore heavy winter coats. My New Jersey blood merely required a lightweight fleece pullover.

The 200 plus strong crowd politely waited on line and made the best of it. For most, it was an adventure; on a scale of were conquering the challenge of climbing Mount Everest. The gleam of realizing great values and saving megabucks was shining in many pairs of eyes. I spoke with the people both in front and behind me; all were laughing, smiling, and eager to get inside for those door busters!

My day was carefully mapped out in advance. At Target, there were four items, and nothing more. Swooping in, pushing a cart rapidly, and 10 minutes later, I was checking out. Done. Moving on to the next few stores, again, grabbing exactly what I wanted, surrendering a coupon or two and leaving, I was ready to treat myself to a big breakfast by 9. By 10:30, safely home. Whew.

I will never do that again. Why? I felt no holiday spirit. Sure, it’s about giving, but it felt like I was playing a game.

Frankly, I’m already tired of the Black Friday ads on TV as well as the news articles. On Today, they discussed how to get the most out of Black Friday shopping. I can tell you how to accomplish that as well.

Stay home.

Yes, I write about marketing. But there’s a breaking point for all of us. And marketing should not be a part of your lives 24 hours a day. Black Friday is a day off, with pay, for many people. Spend it with friends and family. Play a game, an old-fashioned board game. Watch a movie that you meant to watch 6 months ago. Make a big plate of lasagna and hold off on leftover turkey until Saturday. Take a walk around the block and notice things you’ve never slowed down to see. If you must shop, the world is at your fingertips. Celebrate the day. For you.

There will be more sales. Black Friday isn’t THE only day for bargains. But we sure are made to believe so.

Cindy Lou Who, Go Back to Whoville...You're Too Early!

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The Grinch was shown on TV a couple of days ago; a friend on Facebook posted that fact. I played Cindy Lou Who wearing my own pink and green bathrobe in the third grade production of that enduring tale, but upon hearing that Whoville happenings had already descended on us put a damper on my fond memory.

On Halloween, I stopped at Target to buy candy for Trick or Treaters. One side of the aisle was haphazard with bags of candy scattered around by past shoppers scrambling for their favorites. The other side was being stocked with everything red and green, from yummy candies to seasonal coffees. The sharp contrast wreaked havoc on my psyche and took an ounce of fun out of Halloween for me, particularly when I had to ask a Target employee to move the large cart heaped with soon to be shelved holiday delights just so I could get through the aisle.

In the supermarket, I heard a Christmas song was playing. It was a catchy one, and I started to bob a bit and mouth the words. Then I realized it was a holiday song and …November 2^nd. My initial reaction quickly ceased, replaced by bewilderment.

My local hardware store, OSH, just sent an email with 20% off holiday décor online. I stopped by there yesterday to buy a few things and the Christmas shop was in full bloom at the front of the store, resembling a store within a store with lighted arches over the aisles. How festive!

Bah humbug.

Hey all you marketers; I’d really like to enjoy Thanksgiving. Will you please take a step back and allow me to be THANKFUL before I have to start thinking about a jolly man in a red suit?

Seriously.

I know marketing is important; uh, I do it for a living too. Consumers need to be aware of you and learn what your brand is about and what it can do for them. No issues with that! What I don’t like (and I’m sure many of you agree with me) is the shoving down the throat syndrome; pressuring us all to gulp rather than sip.

October through December represents BIG bucks for the retailers peaking with “I dare you to find a parking space” Black Friday. While I welcome the frivolous “gotta get a gift” spending since it contributes to the lousy U.S. economy, I wonder if we’ve lost touch with what the end of year holidays are all about. It’s not about buying gifts for people!

I’m not against the tradition of gift giving. And now, I have to admit there are alternative ways to participate in my share of holiday giving. No, I don’t regift nor am I a crafter. I DO peruse the sales of course, but I’ve found that shopping at garage sales, resale shops and vintage stores results in unique, one-of-a-kind items that can usually can be bought for a song. I’m not talking about 1984 shoulder padded blazers here, but focusing on items more ornamental in nature that suit the recipient’s décor, a gently used collectible book, or something more practical…would you believe I know someone that collects old waffle irons?

In other words, I frequent those sellers who have little or no marketing! I’m still spreading the wealth, right?

The point is that through the magic of marketing, we continue to drift away and lose sight of what the end of the year is all about. Personally, I will do my best to avoid anything associated with red and green until after Thanksgiving. Bring on the turkey and all the trimmings!