For years, Black Friday has been known for its unbeatable sales, massive crowds and the overwhelming feeling of excitement in the air. Shoppers look forward to waking up early to deals that promise up to 80% off on almost everything. Racing to the store for a new television or mattress is just a normal part of this wonderful day.
Unfortunately, this long-standing tradition has now failed to live up to its reputation as the biggest spending day of the year. Shoppers and experts alike have begun to question the authenticity of its deals and whether it is actually worth the time it takes to head to the mall. Is Black Friday simply just another retail illusion meant to confuse and trick consumers into opening their wallets and swiping their credit cards? The answer to this question is a definite yes, ultimately making Black Friday a waste of time and money.
While many stores advertise massive discounts to buyers, after careful examination it becomes evident that these sales are often not as generous as they may appear. Many store owners have become devious with their pricing, going so far as to inflate their original costs way ahead of time. Then when they cut their higher price for the big sale, consumers are thrilled with the anticipation of saving so much money.
“Five years ago the Black Friday deals were very good, and everyone would be fighting to save money over anything they could find. But since online shopping has become popular, the spirit of Black Friday has been lost. It is simply just like any other day,” sophomore Gabriella Mendez said.
Once Black Friday rolls around, the price seems to be a great bargain, but in reality, it is the opposite. Many gullible shoppers are deceived by the tricks of retailers, and they aimlessly pour their funds into the pockets of companies who are solely concerned with making profit. Just this week, one such store in Miami was accused of merely putting sale price tags over the regular ones without actually lowering the prices, ruining the idea which is the core of Black Friday, saving money.
“I was looking through the deals online on Black Friday, and I was really disappointed with what I saw. Most things were only 20% off, and it was nothing special to me. The deals just do not stand out anymore, and things need to change if they really want to continue the Black Friday tradition,” junior Lauren Puig said.
The rise of year round sales has also stolen the popularity of Black Friday. Retailers frequently offer discounts during summer sales, back to school promotions and other small holidays. On top of that, Black Friday is also followed by Cyber Monday and endless Family and Friends events. This has caused consumers to grow accustomed to the sale signs in the windows of their favorite shops.
Half-off discounts no longer draw in countless buyers, as they have simply become a normal part of the shopping experience. The deals that are presented on Black Friday now seem to be recycled, redundant and unappealing. They are nothing particularly special. This has driven shoppers to stay home on Black Friday, feeling uninterested in the hunt for the perfect deal. If shops want to grab the attention of customers, they must make their sales well worthwhile, especially on Black Friday.
With online shopping now becoming the main form of consumerism, Black Friday has died down significantly. The ease of pushing the purchase button is a costly addiction for many, as it eliminates the time, effort and stress of getting ready to hit the mall. Now it is possible for buyers to merely sit at home wearing their pajamas as they purchase all of their holiday gifts.
“Black Friday is a complete scam. Before the day comes to lower their prices, store owners make sure to raise them. So when it is Black Friday, the prices go back to what they were supposed to be originally. Cyber Monday is a much better alternative because the prices are actually lower. I always skip Black Friday to actually save some money,” junior Cooper Piedra said.
While the the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, and it has proven to be highly beneficial for numerous companies, the excitement created by Black Friday has been entirely eroded. It was traditionally intended to be a day full of fun, uncertainty and chaos, but that vision subsided with the rise of the internet. Now, shoppers stay in the comfort of their homes while spending money. The desire to experience Black Friday has diminished, along with its unique appeal.
“I remember during Black Friday there were huge crowds of people surrounding stores just waiting to get things for a lower price. Ever since the pandemic, things have changed, though. Online shopping has become so popular, and people rarely go out to the store to buy something anymore. This has taken away from the Black Friday experience, and it is no longer a big deal for society, ” junior Adrian Perez said.
It is safe to say that Black Friday is no longer what it used to be. The anticipation of a long awaited day filled with real bargains and large crowds has been replaced by inflated discounts, year-round sales and the lure of online shopping. The significance of Black Friday has faded, and many shoppers are now confident that it is not worth the hype that surrounds it. It is apparent that this holiday tradition will only continue to loose its draw in the upcoming years.
