Community Chat

[NoelSeven]

I was in a sticky situation the other day and my phone krapped out, so yesterday DD insisted on running to an upscale mall to get me a good phone.

I asked her if it was crowded and she said there was basically NO ONE there.

She face timed me from a store we both like, and it was true.  I didn't see anyone shopping.

[biancardi]

---

@Lion wrote:

---

@kdgn wrote:

---

@brii wrote:

Businesses don't care about their employees.  They care about profit. 

---

I don't know about that, Brii. Costco has famously refused to be open on Thanksgiving. There have been a few others that advertise that they will be closed so that their employees can spend the time with their families.

---

I agree, kdgn.    I noticed a number of stores decided to be closed on Thanksgiving this year, and even advertised their closing as being for employees to be with their families.

I think it's interesting that we complain about the disintegration of "the family", family values, and how it affects our children and society, yet don't have a probelm with Thanksgiving being turned into a sales/profit/ shopping day.

Woulnd't it be nice if Thanksgiving was the holiday it used to be, where people focused on family and friends sharing the day together instead of shopping?

And, we didn't start to plan for or celebrate Christmas until *after* Thanksgiving.    Thanksgiving wasn't just part of the Christmas season, it was its own, special day.

---

Totally agree.    Yes, there will be always something open on holidays, necessary services, and entertainment venues, but shopping?  Why?

Anyway, I did most of my shopping before Thanksgiving and I did purchase a few BF items - all online, as the things I wanted to buy cannot be found at B&M stores.

[biancardi]

---

@NativeJax wrote:
@Lion....

We had dinner at 1....everyone left at 7pm...we went to Belks for two hours. I feel like we enjoyed our day immensly.... Most of the family arrived at noon so to me we spent a lot of time together. We still found time to shop and the store opened at 6 so there was time for employees time with their families. My only hope is that stores don't make it mandatory on holidays...an opt out if employees don't want to work that day. On the other hand there maybe others who want to work and make money.
It's hard to please the masses....lol, everyone has an opinion...

---

employees actually have to be there way before opening time to get it ready. 

Not everyone eats at 1 pm.  My family doesn't - that is way too early for us!

[biancardi]

---

@Annabellethecat66 wrote:

I hope it's dead.  I physically can't go into and out of stores these days.

I used to love to shop for Christmas when my girls were young.  I'm still 'old school'.  I like to touch it, smell it, etc before I buy it.  Part of the experience.

All three of my daughters (adults, 2 with children) shop almost totally on line.

I think many, many young adults do that these days.  It's sad in a way.  Over the years I met some nice people, mean people, people when I walked away I look to the Heavens and say, "Thank you GOD they aren't in my life".  However, I have to say most people I talked to (in line, just looking over something, check out) were kind and had a smile.

Just one more thing that is fading away.  I think eventually people will just look at each other and won't know the art of conversation.  I'm old so I hope it doesn't happen in my life time, I doubt it, just wish it would slow down.

My daughter (the oldest, 42) called me yesterday and said, "Mom, you know if you want to get Susie something for Christmas, I am looking and I can order these Birch boxes (?) for you to give her.  They are on sale at a really good price.  I remembered something about them, so I said, "OK, that's fine, I'll give you the money for them".

Then what did I do.......(me whispering here....."I went to my computer and looked up what a Birch box was".  Ha!

---

yes!  Birchbox had a great sale - 25% off all items in their online shop, including their subscripions - which is probably what your daughter was referring to    I am ACE there (I spend too much money - haha) and I got a 30% off coupon.

[gabstoomuch]

Oh I think Black Friday is going away, for all the reasons already stated. But I have one more:

Stores start beating the holidays into shoppers MONTHS in advance! Not just the shopping channels (sorry, Q, but you have been beating the holiday drum since July, very unnecessary). But even in the brick and mortar stores, they can't get the "next holiday" stuff out onto the shelves fast enough.

It is absolutely ridiculous to have them unpacking "the next holiday" (pick one, any one) boxes of stuff 2 to 3 months beforehand. They get even worse come August when the Christmas stuff starts coming out, shoved neatly into the same shelves as the Halloween candy.

I refuse to buy so early, but I am only one of milions. The meaning of holidays have lost their meanings in my opinion. Kids do not even know why any holdiay is celebrated anymore (general comment, some parents still instill the lesson of each holiday but not many it seems).

[NC Bandwagon]

Hello, terrier3.

I don't think Black Friday is gone, just evolved into online.........WHICH IS THE GREATEST!!!!

No crowds, no noise, no randoms people KO-ing each in the name of the last TV.............or in same cases, headphones.

You just sit at your computer, order whatever items you like and revel in the joy of knowing that not only did you score a sale, you got to do it in your jammies.

But you know what's even better?.......

CYBER MONDAY COMES RIGHT AFTER IT!!!

Sales for the win!!!!!

[Irshgrl31201]

---

@terrier3 wrote:

---

@brii wrote:

Businesses don't care about their employees.  They care about profit. 

---

I agree.

But some large B&M stores have found out that the goodwill they generate from staying CLOSED on Thanksgiving has helped their bottom line.

That's the same reason why some businesses are raising wages and announcing it prominently - they know that goodwill leads to sales.

---

B&M stores closing for the holidays has nothing at all to do with good will. Most of these stores that have decided to close or reduce hours in B&M stores, also ship their merchandise and internet shopping is king. While their stores may be closed so the associates there can spend time with their family, the shipping facilities aren't and staff for those is increasing. Nothing at all to do with good will.

[BeckiWV]

I don't think Black Friday, or the early start on Thursday, is dead at all.   

I know plenty of people who take the advance ads and chart out their "plan of attack" and then they proceed to put it into action and enjoy every bit of it.  

I don't usually go on Black Friday myself because we are almost always out of town that day.  But I don't have any problem with those that want to go and enjoy it.  

I like knowing B&M stores are actually going to make a couple of bucks for a change. The ones around here are usually pretty dead the rest of the time and I wonder when some will close for good.   

There are plenty of other types of businesses open with employees who also may or may not get to have Thanksgiving with their families.  One of my daughters always has to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas and we either plan around it or she just comes when she can, either before or after her shift.  

I plan to go Christmas shopping in another week or two at my local stores.  I love the hustle and bustle of "live" Christmas shopping.  

[winamac1]

---

@kdgn wrote:

---

@brii wrote:

Businesses don't care about their employees.  They care about profit. 

---

I don't know about that, Brii. Costco has famously refused to be open on Thanksgiving. There have been a few others that advertise that they will be closed so that their employees can spend the time with their families.

---

Exactly kdgn....REI didn't even open on Black Friday.  That shows they do care about their employees.  Some businesses do....not all.

[winamac1]

I'm glad some stores are open on Thanksgiving.  I don't think it's mandatory for most workers to work those hours.  Usually it's done by those wishing to work and to earn extra money.  Some earn time and a half and even double time for working.  

I have no problem with a few stores being open on Thanksgiving.  I think there will always be a place for brick and mortar as some just want to get out, feel and touch the merchandise and they go for the experience.