Ah, Thanksgiving. That perfect holiday where you can sit back and relax and give thanks for the many wonderful things in your life, your city and your world. With no gifts to worry about and plenty of excuses to overeat, just savor that turkey aroma and help yourself to another piece of pumpkin pie … wait, hold on; is that a call to action I hear?
Mobilizing for the fray
“I need a team on Black Friday,” posted Chad Ladao on his Facebook page. “Someone who can push harder when they get pushed by other shoppers; someone who can pull harder when their item is grabbed by other shoppers and someone who’s willing to carry a 50 inch TV for $298. This job requires dedication, compassion and integrity.”
With a few word tweaks that post could easily have been a recruiting post for the Marine Corps. Chad is ready for battle and as throngs of San Diegans prepare to line up to get the best deals possible at various battlegrounds across the county one could see the merit in his approach. Normally these locations would simply be called “stores” but on this very special day, mere hours after Americans have sat down at Thanksgiving tables across the nation to give thanks for what they have, these “stores” will become flashpoints in a massive commercial free-for-all.
Chad is a two-year combat veteran of shopping Black Friday.
“The first year I went alone and it wasn’t a good idea,” Chad tells San Diego LGBT Weekly. “The second year was better; I brought a friend as backup. This year I’m going to need a team.”
Others take the Jedi approach plan and prepare ahead of time; less combat and more obstacle negotiation. LGBT Weekly reader and shopping Jedi master, Kyle Turner, offers a quick reference guide:
“Firstly, check online Thanksgiving Day to see if they are offering the same specials with store pick-up. Buying online and picking up later can knock a few of the stores off your early morning rush!
“Secondly, have a plan and route. Think about traffic into malls and shopping centers and know alternative routes! This might only shave three minutes off drive time, but could get you 10 people ahead in line!
“Lastly, know what you want, or at least what you think you want! Remember, if you buy too much and have remorse, you can always return the item Saturday! May the force be with you!”
Battleground: Las Americas premium outlets
Many brave sale-seeking souls will take the battle to the border. Las Americas premium outlets will have several stores opening from 9 p.m. Thanksgiving. Various stores have discounts ranging from 10-80 percent off the retail price.
“I am going to Las Americas at midnight,” said Lucia Napolez. “Mainly to get clothes for myself, since my birthday is coming up. Also, some family Christmas shopping.”
Battleground: Best Buy
For those into gizmos and gadgets Best Buy is likely to be a major front in this year’s Black Friday campaign. Among the many advertised sales:
– 40” Toshiba 1080p LCD TV for $179.99 ($240 in savings)
– Various DVD titles including: Batman Begins, The Social Network and Paranormal Activity for $1.99 each ($5 – $25 in savings)
– Various Blu-Ray titles including: Sherlock Holmes, Iron Man 2 and Salt for $3.99 each ($5 – $25 in savings)
– Xbox 360 holiday bundle including a 250 GB hard drive, two games: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Forza Motorsport 4 for $199.99 ($100 in savings)
– Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with 8 GB memory for $179.99 ($70 in savings) together with a $20 Best Buy gift card.
Negotiating the peace through online shopping
Some will avoid combat altogether and do their shopping online.
“I am staying home and waiting for Cyber Monday,” said Cindy Green. “I am looking for jewelry and clothes at Kohl’s.”
Cyber Monday is a trend that started in 2005 as retailers embraced the growing online marketplace. One Web site, shop.org, started cybermonday.com as a one-stop shop for the occasion. Cyber Monday traditionally takes place the Monday immediately after Black Friday.
One peace-loving hipster shopper pointed out that online deals start the day of Thanksgiving as well.
“The last couple of years I’ve checked out philosophy.com, hipmountainmama.com, Old Navy online etc.,” posted environmental activist Sara Kent. “A mix of national brands and sustainable, unique hippie gear!”
Had your fill of electronics and gadgets then check out hipmountainmama.com. This is the perfect site for some of our hippie, environmentalist or alternative readers. On their Web site they brand themselves as an eco-friendly mom and pop business that “strives to offer the most unique and fun products while spreading a peaceful vibe.”
Passionate about preserving the Earth they believe they have something for everyone, “… from comfortable bohemian clothing to hip bags, reusable items and good scents.”
For those who really want to embrace the online trend visit blackfriday.com. This is a Web site and iPhone mobile app that allows users to search various sales, get Black Friday mobile alerts and even get cash-back rewards.
“When I was younger I used to line up with the crazies,” said A.J. Isabello. “Now I do most of my shopping online. I check sites like blackfriday.com. If I am going to the stores it’s because I am looking for something I can’t find online. You need football tackling skills to deal with the crowds!”
The politics of retail
While many San Diegans will be battling for the best deals or chilling out shopping from home, spare a thought for all the store clerks coping with this frenzied mass. Beyond those working in the stores there will be others engaged in a fight of a different kind: a fight for fair wages and fair employment practices.
“You could stand with Wal-Mart workers who will be on strike,” posted San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council Field Organizer Sandy Naranjo. “There will be actions throughout San Diego County and workers in Los Angeles and Orange County will be walking off their work sites. Also, the Wal-Mart warehouse workers are on strike now.”
Organizers with the United Food and International Workers Union call the campaign Making Change at Wal-Mart, promising demonstrations at 1,000 Wal-Mart stores across the nation.
Locally, Wal-Mart has seen protests by various organizations from within the San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council.
This Black Friday, if you plan on battling toe-to-toe in the lines with the hordes; if you are going to sit back and wait until Cyber Monday to do your shopping or if you are demonstrating for workers’ rights in solidarity with Wal-Mart workers there’s one piece of advice everyone should heed. Check online first.
Happy Thanksgiving and good hunting.
