We were up at 4:15 AM and out of the house by 5:00 AM. We were standing in line at Staples by 5:30 AM and we were about #50 in line - not too bad! A handful of people had camped out in front of the store the night before. They were there to buy an HP Laptop with printer for $399. It was a $300 savings. My 13 year old daughter reminded my that she could sure "use" one of those laptops. And, I reminded her that she already had a computer.
My sister, Jean. who was visiting from Ft Walton Beach and my 2 daughters and I found some great deals at Staples, That's always my first stop the day after Thanksgiving.
We headed from store to store.
When we got to the Melbourne Square Mall it was an absolute madhouse. It was absolutely packed. JCPenneys looked like Disney World. And, the lines at the cash registers were 15-20 deep. I personally didn' t find anything at the mall that I couldn't live without. So, we were in and out of there very quickly.
By the end of the day we were so giddy, that everything was funny (after all we only had about 4 hours of sleep).
We finished our shopping around 3:00 PM and were pretty well "shopped out".
I wondered this year, if things would be tighter due to the condition of the economy, and whether or not people would be spending less.
Here in Melbourne Florida, I didn't really notice any difference in the number of people out shopping, the amount of items in shopper's carts or the amount of money people were spending this year vs. past years. No one seemed to cutting back.. In K Mart the layaway line was at least 25 people long with carts spilling over the top! I was very surprised!
All in all we had a great day out looking (we didn't spend much, as we did tighten our budgets this year).
Did you go out shopping for Black Friday and did you notice buyers cutting down in spending or did it seem the same as in years gone by?
This article is authored by Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR.
It is the exclusive property of, and may not be used without the written permission of Sandy Shores, Brevard County, Florida Space Coast. All information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted. Copyright 2008.
that for you
I think that those lap tops will be that price after the holidays. The best bargains will be in late February and early March until the economy starts pulling itself back up. Once the winter numbers are out, the prices will continue to drop...
In my area there definately seemed to be a reduction in shoppers and purchases. I hope the rest of the United States had better retail numbers. Thanks for you post and I am glad you had fun with your family today.
Sandy,
Looks and sounds like you had a good time!
Ann
Fox News stated that Monday would have better deals than Friday, to check that out in Sundays newspapers.
Not in any rush....will do my shopping a week before...gift cards for all with one theme gift...this year....the theme is undecided.
Maybe that can be my post for next year and get some hints from the Rainers.
I am happy for you and your sister, but I would not get up at 4:15 if the house were on fire. They could have been giving away computers and I would not have been up that early. Hope you got what you wanted. Next year I will send you my list.
I have always wondered why people fight the crowds on black Friday. I never thought that the deals were that much better. The items that did have good deals were in short supply. Could it be that people just like spending the time together? Your post seems to say that. Glad to hear that you had a good time with your family.
Sounds like a wonderful fun family bonding day! It can be fun if you don't take it too seriously!
I guess somebody had to do it and I'm glad it was you and not me!!!
OK, I admit I did have a friend pick up a cheap Blu Ray for me at Walmart and she lived to bring it home.
Hi Sandy, I didn't venture out today, so I don't have the "economic report" for Fort Collins, which is the closest city. where we shop. It looks like you and you family had fun ! Thanks for the pics - I find it amazing that 4 ladies all got out of the house in 45 minutes! Good job!!
Sandy, This almost looks like a sporting event for your family. I hope you had fun...
We didn't venture out this morning, but did read online that the local Wal Mart had a 45 minute line to get in at 5:30 a.m. We passed by a few shopping areas while we were out and just shook our heads - not a parking space to be found!
We did not go out to the sales -- but heard it was a mad jungle out there.
Hi Michael, You bring up an interesting point - as to whether prices will remain low after the holidays -due to the shortfall in holiday sales. I'm really curious to see what the numbers will look like - as many of the stores were completely packed on Black Friday. I guess it depends on how much people were really spending.
Hi Valerie, Really - in your area you noticed a reduction of shoppers? I didn't here, but am curious to see how much money people actually spent. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are well!
Hey Nancy, Really? I hadn't heard that, about Monday being a better day to shop than Friday. I will check into it. I hope that you are well!
Hi Bill, I love it when my sister is here. You got your beauty sleep. I bet you were less cranky than I was, later on in the day, yesterday. Now I will need to catch up on my sleep. Hope you had pleasant dreams!
Hi Greg, I think that on either you like going out on Black Friday or you don't. I certainly understand. As you mentioned, maybe it is the "togetherness" and the "bonding" experience that makes it soooo fun -LOL.
Margaret, I had a wonderful time with my daughters and my sister, that I rarely see. I think you're right - you must be careful NOT to take it too seriously. People can get downright ugly on Black Friday -didn't see any of that!
Hi Richard, I think Black Friday really isn't for everyone ( thank goodness, huh?). Oh, but see, found something you had to have though and sent your friend out into the war zone - LOL. I think if you look carefully, there area a handful of good deals! Enjoy your blu ray!
Hi Mary, We did have a lot of fun. You mentioned that you were surprised that 4 of us got out of the house in 45 minutes - it was a record - did you notice they really weren't wearing any makeup? My daughters both said there was no way they were taking showers or washing their hair either - (had to use extra deoderant)-LOL. AND none of us ate breakfast. So, there you have it - the true picture revealed. We looked like slobs and were starving -LOL. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Paul. We did have fun! Anything involving my sister is usually fun! Hope you are well!
Susan, We got to Wal Mart at about 6:30. Only went in there for a couple of things. We found the things we were looking for and walked right up to the register for checkout - I think we just got lucky!
Bob and Carolin, Probably safer to stay home! The mall was the absolute worst! We pretty much walked in and walked back out - it was AWFUL!
Sandy:What a brave one you are to shop on Black Friday at that hour of the day! Glad you and your SIS had a great time together.
Hey Dona, I have actually gotten some really good deals on Black Friday. So, I like to run out and see what I can find. I'm such a morning person - NOT!