Black Friday: It has to be big, and bold

[Crewleader]

Given the severe slump in spending, discounts will be the deepest they've ever been this holiday season as merchants strive to stay alive in 2009.

By Parija B. Kavilanz, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Last Updated: November 26, 2008: 2:42 PM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Merchants know it's all or nothing when the clock strikes 12.01 a.m. Friday.

For many retailers, their survivability depends not only on having the biggest, boldest Black Friday sales they've ever had, but also on making sure that the critical holiday shopping season doesn't begin and end on the day after Thanksgiving.

Industry analysts warn that there's a high risk of that happening, given that many Americans are in a serious spending lockdown that has already pushed several retailers - including electronics merchant Circuit City - into bankruptcy.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/26/news/economy/blackfriday_walkup/?postversion=2008112614

[Donnachaidh]

1. If the black friday ads are any indication

Then they had better be prepared to have a BAD black friday.

Seriously not many huge sale prices in our area papers. What's the point of standing in lines overnight freezing your butts off for a FEW bucks? Anyone who has been watching prices will know that the *sale* prices are total BS.

[NMDemDist2]

2. WallyWorld :puke: is advertising a 32" flat screen TV for $399

but they are quick to add 'only 5 units per store, no rain checks'

:banghead:

[Crewleader]

5. AZ I shop once on Black Friday & that was it for me!

Here is a Turkey Recipe for you
> >
> > Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of
> > popcorn as a stuffing -- imagine that. When I found this
> > recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who
> > just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly
> > cooked, but not dried out. Give this a try.
> > 8 - 15 lb. turkey
> > 1 cup melted butter
> > 1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is Good.)
> > 1 cup uncooked popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S LOW FAT)
> > Salt/pepper to taste
> > Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted
> > butter salt, and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and
> > popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the
> > back of the oven.
> > Listen for the popping sounds.
When the turkey's ass blows the oven door open and the
bird flies across the room, it's done.

And, you thought I didn't cook...

[FedUpWithIt All]

7. I agree. I have never shopped a Black Friday but the ads i have seen this year...

certainly are not all that tempting.

[HopeFor2006]

3. I'm making as many gifts as possible this year.

[opihimoimoi]

4. Trickle Down Poverty.....Bush made the Poverty Rate Rise to New Heights

Worse since the Depression.....

Bush made a mess of it....If this was intentional....it showed...

[Shishio]

11. I agree

And I think it was intentional. It's no secret that throughout history war always leads to a injured economy. But what's worse is that since we defer all our costs of all our programs (war, and social programs) via our debt since we can just print money out of thin air, we end up forcing our childrens, childrens children to have to pay for Bush's pet wars and our living it up socially. As parents and as constituents for allowing this, we fail our future society.

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. Really nice and inexpensive gift idea:

My family understands and shares the value of saving money, to the point that paying
"real" price for gifts is rarely done.
We are also great readers.

Thus, 2 nice sources:

Used books/music/dvd selections at Amazon.

Lots of "like new" books can be had for a penny ( +3.99 S&H).
I rarely pay more than 4.00 for even hardcovers.

And Bookmooch.com

Books can be had for under 3.00.
You list books you want to give away ( whee, uncluttering)
and "mooch" books you want.
Cost to you: about 2.83 per book to mail out to someone,
no cost to get a book.

I have 50 like new books from the site, got rid of 55 I had read.

The site has a great feel, the creator truly believes in community.

Did I mention my X-mas shopping is all done?
Saved money, postage and gas, because of the sites above.

[tavalon]

8. I almost feel guilty participating in Buy Nothing Day this year since I still have a job

I said almost. I have been doing BND for over a decade and so it will be this Friday.

[2Design]

9. I thought the same thing - there are no good prices - mostly BS

They have had better deals this past month and if I had known they would do that, I might have bought sooner, instead, I will wait until after christmas sales or next year.

[2Design]

10. normally I pick one or two items that are a REALLY good deal

having watched prices for the past month or two - but there aren't any - not really

Even kmart today has been better in prior years