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Black Friday: Four Reasons to Stay Home

November 27, 2008 RSS Feed Print

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While retailers are doing everything they can to lure you into their stores on Black Friday, you might want to consider staying home anyway. Here are four reasons why:

It will be crowded. According to a poll by Consumer Reports, one in four consumers plan to hit the shops Friday. That means long lines, messy merchandize, and cranky salespeople.

You can get better deals online. Some stores, including BestBuy.com and WalMart.com, are saving some of their biggest discounts for virtual visitors. So you can munch on those turkey leftovers while clicking your way down your shopping list.

By buying nothing, you'll join a movement. The Center for a New American Dream is encouraging people to boycott Black Friday and to focus on giving back and living sustainably instead.

The best gifts aren't in stores, anyway. This year, conspicuous consumption is out and gifts of time are in. Check out NoChristmasGiftsThisYear.com for more ideas -- and fun gift cards.

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One of my sons is a store manager at Office Depot; he had to deal with fights and arguments as shoppers clammed through their doors.
Another son was in the Toys R Us store when the shootings occurred.
As a mom I was stunned; fearful, and glad when I learned my children were safe.
I SAY NO MORE BLACK FRIDAYS - OFFER ONLY THE 'BLACK DEALS' ON LINE; NO ONE IS SHOT; NO ONE IS RUN OFFER - NO ONE IS TRAMPLED, and SCREW THIS BUSINESS OF BUYING GIFTS ANYWAY!

Mom Diane of CA 2:59AM December 01, 2008

Hey, Christian of New Jersey. Perhaps you should spend less time shopping and more time in school learning English grammar.

Aja Sutherland of WA 6:22PM November 28, 2008

Heard about person who was killed at Walmart, well get ready Walmart for a lawsuit. You can never control animals who have no manners, and crowds who don't respect life. Also, the pregnant woman who got hurt, what can I say, The mentality of these people is way out there. I would put up signs to read: NO CHILDREN UNDER 13, NO
PREGNANT WOMEN, ELDERS OVER 60 allowed, or be responsible for your health or
safety, on this STUPID DAY CALLED BLACK FRIDAY. Mothers keep your little ones safe at home in their comfy beds. Shame, shame on ALL who put your children in danger.
If you want bargains for little ones go the Mattel outlets in El Segundo during a
normal day. Call and find out where they"re located.
Grandmas, don't allow your grandchildren to be put in danger. You have rights too..
Don't let the RETAILERS run your life, they're following orders from the big CEOs
who make all the money from folks like you.

Santa of CA 3:45PM November 28, 2008