TGIF
I’m about to slip into the night to go do my part in facilitating those who are participating in our annual national orgy.
The very thought of that has given me writers block, so this will be brief.
First, let me remind those of you who (like me) work in retail that God loves you despite where He put you and this too will pass.
My friend Dave Rolph reminded me years ago that many of these barbarians are actually trying to do something for someone they love and we can be a part of helping that process along.
That’s a good thing, right?
Second, let me remind those of you who are shopping that the person behind the counter is really tired and stressed already, they probably cut off part of their holiday to be there for you, they have no control over inventory or pricing, and they probably don’t make enough money to be on the other side of the counter.
In other words, please be nice to the towel holders in the temples of consumerism.
Finally, I get through Black Friday by remembering Good Friday…which provided the real riches of life at no cost to us, the store’s always open, and the deal never changes with time.
I’m off to work…make your own application.
I am so glad to read this because BLACK FRIDAY for whatever detractions there are is an IMPORTANT day for the American economy, therefore for the workers, for the tax revenue, for EVERYTHING that makes our nation able to provide for its people.
AND … there will be thousands of stories of kindness and moments of people looking after one another for every two or three jackasses that make the news by snatching a toy from a child and pushing an old lady to the floor.
GO SHOPPING and serve your fellow man… keeping the people in mind as Michael exhorts us.
Praying The Lord will give you many opportunities to bless others today…..and that He sends an ambassador to encourage you.
we anticipate a busy day at our cafe as we are in the downtown section of our community. We hope to provide an oasis of calm and relaxation in the middle of some chaos. It’ll be busy, but we intend on have a lot of fun in the process. We have a sign on our wall there that says, “I laughed so hard, the tears ran down my leg” and we try to live up (down?) to that sentiment every day. Tonight we take our employees down to Ashland for dinner, the parade, and some fun. That oughta help the economy a bit, too. 😉
70% of our Economy and a huge chunk of the Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Asian, anywhere that has Factory Slaves economy…is very much dependent on the Gluttonous Consumeristic American People spending more money than they have on stuff they don’t need.
Consumerism is what fuels the Engine of the Global Economy…and “we” are the Gasoline.
Give an American a dollar…and he’ll spend two! It’s who we are. I say buy, buy, buy! while the Music is still playing. Eat, drink, be merry…for tomorrow we die.
On a more serious note, I think Rolph made a good point to Michael…it is true that many folks buy up the stuff during the Season b/c they want to make other people happy. Of couse, it is a sad commentary that crap made in China for Slave Wages is what is perceived to “make others happy”…but I think most are sincere in wanting a “merry” Christmas for their loved-ones and friends…although we’ve all bought the Lie that we are happy from having stuff we don’t need.
Hey Fil, I hope that business is great today. Enjoy Ashland, we will be there for dinner next weekend.
early, but after the mob scene, i went to the computer store for someone else this morning (Lenovo ideapad on sale) and the help looked just wiped out; they’d been in the store since 3 am! but they were incredibly polite and helpful – the store manager looked like a heart attack candidate
Hey Michael. I’m praying for you today. Hoping at least one cool story shines on this dark day.
I get Black Friday but am sorry to see it bleed over into Thanksgiving night. So last night I was actually pleased for a short time.
My son was asked to serve at an outlet mall last night – an extra set of eyes against troublemakers while also welcoming people. His organization has a connection with this mall and the mall is very kind to them. So this is a return of favor.
I was so pleased to see that at a few minutes before open at 8PM there was almost NO cars or shoppers to be found. I even thought I might get to pick him up before the planned midnight pickup. I truly figured that maybe Target and Best Buy were getting shoppers with their ads, but the average retailer was not going to be visited on Thanksgiving night.
Wrong. At midnight the place was PACKED and more people were arriving than leaving. There were some problems (several actually) with attempted theft, drugs, and other incidents. And my ‘theory’ was dashed.
It was a hopeful theory, AV!
Everybody have a great day…shopping or not!
“And my ‘theory’ was dashed.”
Never underestimate the power of man’s depravity and good advertising.
BD,
My birthday and Christmas are coming up….don’t forget as you do your part at the mall today to help our economy along!!’
Id like a set of Bose headphones and a mini projector from Brookstone.
Thanks!
I’ve worked retail on Black Friday and have never shopped…but do have several friends who look forward to the event. They have fanny packs and a whole plan worked out. It is a time of shopping with mothers and daughters and families…so I guess I do not begrudge them the activity. Still, I have zero desire to venture out to the stores…Steve and I are very thankful for a very relaxed Thanksgiving.
Thinking of many friends working today…praying for, as Dave said, a good encounter that shines through.
Well London… I never shop if there is a crowd so … no BD sighting in the stores… Gym, bedroom, a visit to my new house, a quiet night with Gail… some grandkid hugging. But still I hope the hype brings in the cash… I am all for it.
It’s Black Gun Friday here at the stores….
0bama is still the best gun and ammo salesman of all time 🙂
Alex, I heard that same thing is happening at the gunshops in Calif. too. 🙁
people are excited, enthusiastic, loving the season, full of wonder, plus the occasional crankypants just to spice things up 😉
I escaped Apple retail so I can relate to what you’re going through, Michael, and you are a shining light, and every day as you show up, set a tone and seek to do your job to find some small way of enriching lives, one by one.
thanks for keeping this cybercommunity going
I don’t know why everyone mocks and belittles Black Friday shoppers. Probably just as many people will fight the crowds to get into football stadiums this weekend.
I don’t do Black Friday because i hate being around people – at any event.I only go to malls if one of the grandkids is nagging me to take them.
Oh, I see OTHER people should help the economy. I think that too…
One can purchase just about anything they want via the Black Friday online specials.
I purchased something I wanted (and needed) today online for a significant discount. It will be shipped right to my house in a few days. Plus, the shipping was “free”.
A few clicks of the mouse and it’s on the way. No hassles, no obnoxious buyers, no cranky sales people, no parking lots and roadways to negotiate and no fuel wasted. Just think, I did my part in not polluting the environment. I must be an environmentalist shopper 😉
Yes London but I am building a house… doing my share in that way. More than my share. Not many people building right now but it is the best time. We were able to take care of business all these years and not suffer in the downturn. Things became more affordable. Time to buy… low interest, lower prices… still a risk when you are borrowing but not terrible.
But I have no pleasure in the whole business of Black Friday… I am just glad to see our economy get a boost that does’t involve the government printing money.
Uhhh…and just how how do you think you’re able to obtain that low interest rate BD?
That would be directly tied to the government printing money my friend 🙂
QE3 and Ben Bernanke, the best thing that could of happened to you know who on November 7th.
I boosted the economy by buying my own headphones. Now we have both done our part 😉
If helping the economy means getting into debt by buying expensive toys then count me out. I think Black Friday is a testimony against a Fat Materialistic culture that we have become. It’s disgusting! You can’t go to a X-Mas function without feeling pressured into bringing gifts and if you don’t you get the mad dog stare from family members. I’ll pass on this and on giving or receiving gifts. I’ll be the guy in the corner after the Holidays that still has a zero balance on my credit card.