The end-of-year festivities are fast approaching, beginning with Thanksgiving. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy a hearty meal, and express appreciation for life. However, Thanksgiving is notorious for the shopping frenzy known as Black Friday, notorious for its sprawling queues, overcrowded shops, chaotic parking situations, and unfortunate episodes of unseemly behavior.
If you’re not thrilled at the prospect of braving the shopping chaos this holiday, here are three reasons why staying at home could be a good idea.
1. DODGE IMPULSE PURCHASES
Thanksgiving sales can tempt us to buy items that serve no real purpose. Especially when we are financially disciplined, splurging unnecessarily can be counterproductive. Studies show that shopping often begets more shopping. Events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday employ strategic marketing tactics to convince you that you “must buy now to profit”. Such tactics often lead to hasty decisions and people buying things they really don’t need or want.
Avoid succumbing to the fear of product scarcity and refrain from unnecessary purchases. Instead, focus on discounted items you had planned on buying, irrespective of deals or offers.
2. ENJOY COUCH-SHOPPING
Many brave the cold and camp outside shops like Best Buy or Target in the hopes of snagging doorbuster deals. The catch with doorbusters is that they are available for a limited period, come in limited quantities, and are rarely headlining brand-name items. Besides, some companies keep the identity of their doorbuster items under wraps until they open for the day.
Many deals are available not just around the Thanksgiving/Black Friday time but well beyond, both in stores and online. Online shopping offers numerous advantages like the ease of price comparison, potential free shipping on eligible purchases, and a chance to find items unavailable in physical stores.
Handy shopping apps like PriceBlink, PriceGrabber, and RetailMeNot help you land good deals by helping you find the best prices or discount codes, making the shopping experience easier.
3. CHERISH THE HOLIDAY – NOT BLACK FRIDAY
If you’re lucky enough to have Thanksgiving off, savor that time. You could choose to relax, host a family gathering, or volunteer at a community center instead of rushing through Thanksgiving dinner to compete with the throngs of shoppers in pursuit of in-store bargains.
While some retail employees may opt to work amidst the Thanksgiving/Black Friday rush for extra income, many grapple with the fact that they might be missing quality time with loved ones.
Reevaluate your motivation to shop on such a significant holiday. Perhaps you’ll discover that sharing a meal with family is more rewarding than a 30% discount on a waffle maker – something you could probably find another day.
