Black Friday: A Couponer's Dream or A Couponer's Nightmare (What Do YOU Think?!)
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Monday, November 14th, 2011 at 3:45 pm.
As you probably know, Black Friday is almost upon us (yikes!). And with Black Friday comes some controversy this year as many stores are planning to open their doors on Thanksgiving day. Instead of waiting until the wee hours of Friday morning (as was the case in year’s past), many retailers like Toys R Us and Walmart are opening their doors on Thanksgiving evening. Now some would argue that having access to the awesome Black Friday sales earlier than normal is a couponer’s dream, while others may argue that all this retail craziness is taking away from family time and the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Check out more about this debate in the NY Times article found here entitled “Thanksgiving as Day to Shop Meets Rejection.”
On a personal note, I have never been a fan of Black Friday (I much prefer Cyber Monday where I can snag incredible deals from the comfort of my own home ~ in my PJ’s 
). I would rather spend the entire Thanksgiving day with my family eating good food, playing games, and just enjoying one another.
I have absolutely no desire to wait in line for hours fighting with other shoppers only to find out the deal that I was waiting for is sold out or maybe is not even that great of a deal after all. However, this is just my take on Black Friday and I am sure that many of you may disagree. With that being said, I would love to have you share your thoughts and opinions on this topic…
“Is Black Friday a Couponer’s Dream or a Couponer’s Nightmare?!”
P.S. Despite the fact that you will not find me in line at any of the Black Friday sales, I will still be posting all the great Black Friday deals and match-ups on Hip2Save, so stay tuned for these soon!
momof4spoiled1s says:
Ok so here it goes “NOT EVERYONE CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING”. I find these days I really don’t have anything to be thankful for so with that being said, I am a single mom and all my kids are grown and have their own families. Since I am alone I don’t fix a thanksgiving dinner so the kids go to the in laws to celebrate. Even though its just another day I don’t mess with the Black Friday frenzy either.
Anne says:
Most likely the people that work at the stores do celebrate Thanksgiving though. It’s a shame to make them work that day IMO. I understand some businesses have to be open, like hospitals and pharmacies, but Best Buy? C’mon.
caseymg says:
I’m sorry, that you feel you don’t have anything to be thankful for, but it just isn’t right to make people work on one of the major American holidays.
momof4spoiled1s says:
I agree, its right not to the people that really want to spend the time with their families. In this world its all about money instead of family values. Sorry
momof4spoiled1s says:
*not right
Melissa says:
What about movie theatres? They are open 365/days year and holidays can be one of our busiest days. Movies are released on Christmas Day. I have worked on Holidays for 10 years now, does it suck, yes.. but I knew what I was getting into, and so does every employee I hire.
Kalanniw says:
Dear momof4spoiled1s:
I am so sorry that you feel that you have nothing to be thankful for. Things must be diffficult for you. Sometimes, when I feel like that, I take time to think of things to be grateful for. I will often start out listing silly things like spaghetti (my favorite meal) or pretty colors to look at, but I always end up realizing that I really do have much to be grateful for. Love to you at this time of year, and I hope that you do find things to be thankful for! Happy Holidays to you!
momof4spoiled1s says:
Thank you
Tammy says:
I am really sorry that you feel you have nothing to be thankfull for, have you ever though about volentering at a shelter or a church, i think it would be a great venture for you, hope you have a good holiday, everynight when im laying in bed i try to think of a couple different thngs im thankfull for, even if its just the little things, it keeps me sayne in my hecktic life.i will not be able to celebrate thanksgiving or spend time with my family, I will be one of the lucky ones, working from 9pm to 6am at our good old walmart. wish me luck…………
momof4spoiled1s says:
I would very much love to be able to do that but I have a sick child that keeps me tethered 24/7. Anyway, Happy Holidays to you and be safe working.
teresac61802 says:
I get tired of people feeling sorry for themselves…If you have a roof over your head, a car, food in your belly and healthy children then youhave a heck of a lot to be thankful for.
momof4spoiled1s says:
I get so tired of judgemental people thinking everybody is in the same boat as them and that everybody has the luxury of a roof over their heads, a car, food, and healthy children.
Natalie says:
I have been teaching my kids that the “Recipe For Joy” is helping others. If you lack joy and thankfulness you might be surprised how helping others can fix your outlook! I will say a prayer for you and for your family.
momof4spoiled1s says:
Not at all surprised, I have spent my whole life helping and taking care of others at the, finding this out now, sacrifice of my myself. There is nothing more joyful than making someone else smile. As I posted above, my circumstances have changed and I am not able to help others anymore. Thank you for the prayers.
reader1 says:
Seriously? Here is judgment for you…. you apparently have something to be thankful for as you are commenting on INTERNET POSTINGS, meaning you have some form of internet be it via your phone, home PC/laptop, library, friends or any other means….. Im sick of hearing that people have nothing to be thankful for… IF YOU CAN SPEAK THE WORDS, TYPE THE WORDS… than that right there is something to be thankful for!
momof4spoiled1s says:
Seriously, Who are you to tell me what I should and shouldn’t be thankful for? And since you seem to think you know everything, then what makes you think I’m the one on the internet and not having someone post this for me. You don’t know what I have. I still haven’t figured out why I’m wasting my time responding to your post of assumption. Who cares that your sick of hearing that people have nothing to be thankful for. Everybody is entitled to feel however they want and your criticism means nothing. You make me sick. Also, I don’t think Collin would appreciate our bickering back and forth on here so if you think you have something to respond back to in a negative manner you can reach me at hikaramba at yahoo dot com.
julieanne28 says:
My sister and I spend Black Friday together shopping and have so much fun! My mom is awesome and keeps all 7 of our kids on Thanksgiving night so we can get an early start. I am not really excited about the 10pm sales, I had much rather get up at 3 or 4am and head out. We have had some adventures the past couple of years… I hit a deer last yr.. we ran out of gas the year before… LOL!! This yr my oldest niece will be going with us and I am truly excited to have her share in the shopping adventure
The only problem I have with Black Friday is trying to budget all the coffee I have to buy hahaha!! Happy Shopping & remember to be kind to others!
Sharon says:
My sister, sister in law and I have a blast on Black Friday’s. Even tho we spend all day Thanksgiving with family, eating, playing games, and just enjoying each others company, we somehow find the energy to go and have a good time. We are never really after any center item, we just love the fun, fast pace setting of it all. I have never met a rude person during any of our trips, guess we have been lucky! Of course it may just be our “have fun, postive attitude”, that no one messes with us!! LOL!!!
Sharon says:
Oh and by the way, we refuse to do any shopping on Thanksgiving day, heck we won’t even buy gas. But at midnight, it is officially Friday, so it is fair game. LOL!!!
Pam D says:
My 2 teenage daughters and I started going out for Black Friday a few years ago so now it has become a tradition for us. We definitely have a great time and we do score some great deals…. but, it doesn’t seem as if the deals were as good when we went last year. A lot of the items were just priced at a regular sale price.. so I passed on more things. I was also very surprised about some items I just had to have at Target ( a GPS & a camera) that were advertised on the front page. Our crew tried to stop there first, but there weren’t any parking spots and it was so rainy and dark.. I almost hit a guy in the parking lot (who assumed I could see him so he ran out in front on my vehicle). Needless to say, I ran back into Target around 11a before our lunch break.. and I was able to get 2 of the GPS and also the camera I wanted. I didn’t have to wait and line or fight with anyone.. lol. I did price them online so the deals were worth it.. not sure if they just had an overabundance but it just goes to show who is controlling (or not controlling) the madness. I can tell you that we will definitely be out for the 12a sales…. better than going to bed and waking up at 230a. Happy Thanksgiving all!!
kristine says:
have you ever just park a extra car in the lot OF THE STORE YOU REALLY WANT TO GO TO today and bamm you got a great parking spot for tonight lol just a thought
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Chandra says:
My husband and I have always loved going out for the sales on Black Friday. However, the last couple of years has been a disappointment, plus this year we have had problems financially because of illness, and everything that can happen – DID HAPPEN. I am not so keen on this year because they are making it even earlier opening times – midnight at a lot of stores.
I think I will have to say that I may be with Colin on this one, stay home and enjoy shopping on Cyber Monday in my P.J.’s
Rock on, Colin!
Sarah says:
I just read that Big Lots will be open on Thankgiving Day from 7am-8pm and then again on Black Friday at 6 am. I think that is SHAMEFUL and refuse to patronize this store on either day.
Heather says:
I’m with you…what’s next? Shopping on Christmas Day? Some things need to be sacred…otherwise nothing is!
Rachel says:
I have always been an early riser, and used to enjoy the Black Friday shopping. Of course growing up I didn’t call it that and only have fond memories of shopping with my Mom. I opted out last year as I didn’t want to leave my baby at midnight to go shopping, but was still able to get a couple of things at 9 am after he woke up (playdoh and a little TV for bedroom). The year before last I was appalled at how people behaved and all the stories about people getting hurt. I am afraid to go to the big stores because of the behavior of other people. I don’t have someone to watch my little one and my hubby won’t let me go out shopping alone due to muggers. This year I only plan to go to the little stores like CVS Burkes Outlet which had 85% all clearance price a couple years ago (I missed last year). Two years ago I ended up getting my son some clothes and shoes for the upcoming year and completed most of my Christmas list for less the $200. This year I have bought most of my sons toys through summer sales or holiday sales. Only a few items left to get him, so I think I will do the big store sales online or wait until later in the day and if they have what I wanted, then it was meant to be otherwise I will just keep looking. Only thing I see I really want is the deep freeze at Walmart, but I don’t to get trampled for it.
Robin says:
I really don’t think the Black Friday deals are good anymore. There’s nothing in any of the flyers I’ve seen that would make me want to be around that many people. lol Hasn’t been for at least 3 or 4 years now.
To me, it’s all hype anymore. There are better deals from the end of the summer up to BF. And, at many of the stores, you can go online and get the same deals. Somestimes before the store start time. My opinion is that the people who do all their shopping on BF are crazy because they are wasting money. I’d rather sleep in or shop in my PJs at home. Just my opinion.
Oh, and what really kills me about BF is the number of people who actually DO go out and shop in their pajamas. lol
heather says:
make sure your bring your camera —- people of walmart!!!!
Lanie says:
As an employee of a major retailer, I don’t even understand why people waste their money on that cheap crap that gets returned at an enormous rate because of it not working. And said retailer could give a rats ass about the employees. So yeah, we don’t get to have ANY time with our families because we are working 12 hour shifts.
kathleen says:
Lanie,
I do not know which retailer you are speaking of, but i do want to tell you that I am sorry if you have to work on these days. having worked at a hospital for many years we never close, and I get that. I worked with coworkers where we worked together to split shifts sometimes in three’s for the 12 hour shifts to make sure everyone only had to do a little. I can’t think of anything that I want so much that I would go shopping on a major holiday, and everytime I see the ads that say the store is open that day I do think of the employees and my heart goes out to you. If people didn’t go they wouldn’t be open, that is the sad part of it. I hope if you must work this year you are blessed in other ways!
Lanie says:
Thanks Kathleen. That really meant a lot to me.
Cortney B. says:
I’m excited this year. I’ll actually be able to participate since I can go to the midnight openings. Because of my hubby’s work schedule I can’t go to the early Friday morning ones, unless I want to haul 3 kids with…..
Rebekah Johnson says:
Love it !! Key is dont get your heart set on anything and go with people you have fun with !!
Jeanie says:
I agree don’t take it too seriously! My husband went with me last year and we had a blast, we had no idea what we wanted but I’ll never forget how proud he was of himself when he got the last wii fit at target haha we had fun just being together even if we didn’t get everything we wanted
lauren says:
Exactly! I learned that lesson a few years ago… If you plan it all out and have your heart set on a certain item, you’ll probably be disappointed! But if you just go and have fun, you may find some great deals!
Kristin says:
While I understand the frustration for those who have not had to work holidays before, I think this is just part of the world we live in. There are many businesses that are open 365 days a year (other than just hospitals) – airlines, hotels, video stores, and restaurants to name a few. I’ve had several jobs, including my current one, where you have to pick the holidays you want off and which ones you will work.
I personally appreciate the midnight opening. I haven’t done BF shopping in a long time because I’m just not willing to get up at 2:30am to go stand in line. But 10pm (for a midnight opening) I can handle.
Jeanie says:
I love black friday, but one year at walmart I watched a lady get pushed and walked on over the new rock band. She needed up breaking both her legs and no one seemed to care they were all to busy with there own selfish wants to help her, it broke my heart! I just don’t understand how the holidays tend to bring out the worst in people instead of the best.
Jeanie says:
ended* up
Amanda says:
I loved Black Friday before I loved couponing. The thrill of the hunt is much the same, though!
I don’t think being a couponer can determine whether or not folks love or hate the day. It has too much to do with personal preference. Some people hate hate hate crowds. Some people don’t see the draw.
Me? I loooooooooove shopping regardless. Black Friday is like a shopping marathon for me! I don’t come home until I’ve spent every bit of the money I intended to.
I do hate that stores are opening at midnight, though. Makes it impossible to stagger the stores you hit by when they open!!
As for the folks who have to work holidays – some people actually volunteer to work holidays. When I was a teen, I worked at Cracker Barrel and always volunteered to work. Talk about bringing home the bacon! Plus it felt good to give someone else the opportunity to be with their family when I was more interested in making money than hanging out at Grandma’s all day.
Many places give employees a little extra pay for working holidays, too. My dad is a Walmart manager and he actually enjoys working Black Friday. Can’t say I’d feel the same but apparently some folks think it’s fun.
chelamom says:
I love black Friday deals.but this year I think it crazy because they are starting so early. I work for a retail store and we open at midnight. and I start work at 11:30pm Thursday so I wont be able to enjoy any other stores sales. because they are opening up at the same time. so when I get out of work 9:00 I am going to see if I could do some prices matching.
Me says:
I’m a cyber-Monday gal. I have 95% of my Christmas shopping done anyway, but I wait until cyber-Monday to catch any last minute deals and finish up my shopping. I refuse to go out in those crowds. It’s just not worth it to me. I’d rather enjoy spending time with my family and relaxing on my day off then have to deal with all that mess.
Racheal says:
Opening stores on Thanksgiving so people can go Christmas shopping takes away from the holiday spirit. Is saving $10 really worth it? No. My husband missed Thanksgiving and Christmas (stocking up for a busy 26th) last year because of holiday shopping. He’ll miss this year, too. I’m going to miss part of Thanksgiving this year because I have to work.
If you want to go shopping on Black Friday, fine. Have fun, but be considerate. Retail workers are paid very little and some have to have the jobs. Just because something is out of stock doesn’t mean it’s their fault.
KMart has been open on Thanksgiving for a few years now. I’m actually surprised Wal-Mart didn’t start sooner.
Tina in east Texas says:
I have worked retail and often volunteered to work on holidays because the pay was better and the days were much more interesting! Not everyone is being forced to work on holidays, so don’t feel sorry for them. In my experience people are given the option of working those days, and are rewarded for it.
Jena says:
fyi if you work retail you are not allowed to ask black friday off…it’s required.
Mae says:
That’s definitely not true. I work in retail and they asked for volunteers to work Black Friday hours and a bunch of people jumped at the idea for extra hours. Last I heard, there were enough volunteers at my place that no one had to work if they didn’t want to, since it wasn’t their normal hours.
Ashley says:
At my job it is definitely NOT optional. EVERYONE is also required to work a 12 hour shift. My shift is from 11:30pm to 12 noon.
LB says:
I was a retail manager for many years and we required everyone to be available to work Black Friday and the Saturday and Sunday as well (no requesting those days off!).
Starting Thanksgiving week management was required to work 6 days/wk through Christmas.
The holidays were horrible. I didn’t mind the customers as much as I did the company’s attitude toward it’s managers and employees. Even working 6 days/wk of at least 10hr shifts each you were expected to work above and beyond that. If your shift ended at 5 it was looked down upon if you actually left at 5.
So glad I finally left. Life has never been better!
Oh, I won’t shop on the holiday itself because I feel horrible the the employees and managers are required to. The employees may not mind that much since they would get time and a half, but the managers get nothing extra.
ThriftyCollegeStudent says:
I work at a retailer that is opening up at midnight, and I am not very thrilled about it. I am in college and am working there until I graduate in the Spring. I know I have chosen this job, but there are not that many choices when it comes to being flexible with a school schedule and working full time. I have not been able to go home for the last four Thanksgivings because of the earlier and earlier opening times. I am very thankful to have a job in this rough economy, but I feel like this is pushing the limits.
Brittnee says:
I think it’s ridiculous to open on Thanksgiving night. Midnight is okay, but earlier is just pointless. I work for a restaurant, and though I do not have to deal with the Black Friday rush, I do have to work all day Thanksgiving. I partially blame my employers, it’s obviously their choice to be open o the holiday. However, if people didn’t come in to eat, we wouldn’t be open. All those who think it’s wrong employees have to work on holidays should stay home then to send a message. The problem is though, most people say they feel bad, but still take advantage and still go deal hunting.
Heather says:
I completely agree. No stores or restaurants would be open if people didn’t go. If you don’t support, it, don’t spend your dollars!
LB says:
AGREE! If people didn’t go to the stores on Thanksgiving or go out to eat (who eats out on Thanksgiving anyway?) the businesses would see it wasn’t profitable to be open and stay closed for the day allowing their employees and managers to spend the time with their families.
Michelle says:
Blue laws in Massachusetts prohibit the opening of many of these Turkey day early openings, so they all have to change their start times in my state. No 10 o’clock openings!! I wish they would go back to 5 .a.m., but at least people won’t have to go in on Thursday to open a store. Also many of the stores are going to 1 or 2 a.m. openings due to employees not being forced to prep a store on Thanksgiving. It’s not a lot but I know it helps a bit.
Amanda W. says:
I find that most of the good sales have already happened really. I’ve taken a sneak peek at all the ads and nothing is really calling my name. With that said, I do find myself bored by 7:00 after all the visiting and turkey has been consumed. I would rather go in the evening than get up in the morning as I hate getting up early.
BUT…my concern is not every store is opening around the same time. Wal-Mart @ 9 TRUS @10 Target @12 and so forth so that means everyone will be at Wal-Mart @ 9 and that is pretty scary! lol
samantha says:
I keep going over these deals and I can’t seem to find any good deals on an Ipad or some sort of tablet (I think that’s the name) does anyone know of one? It does not need to be a “new” version.
sandy says:
I enjoy shopping on black friday because we’ve made it a girl’s family “tradition”. My sis, mom and I get up early and head for wally’s, target and toysrus. We don’t camp out overnight and we don’t wait in line outside the store before it opens. We usually show up about 10-20 min after the store opens and still manage to get most everything on our lists. I’ve never seen anyone pushed down to the floor and besides trying to maneuver a shopping cart in the massive crowd, everything is pretty mellow. I’m in AZ and I’m sure it isn’t this mellow in every state from the horror stories on the news
We’ve been doing black friday shopping for over 10 years and will continue to do so unless it gets scary, but for now…it’s a blast! Once we’re done with our shopping we head to the nearest restaurant for brunch 
The way we look at is, if we get 25-50% of the gifts off our list then we did good! If not, then at least we got to spend time together, just us girls 
The shopping is just a small part of the fun of this day for us!
bridriz says:
I don’t agree with stores opening on Thanksgiving. Just another way for the big retailers to make an extra buck. Is it really so important?? Priorities, people.
Jody says:
I am a mom of 3, and I volunteered to work on Thanksgiving and the entire weekend, because nobody else wanted these shifts, and I am grateful because I am going to be getting more hours than I usually do. I also always volunteer to work on Thanksgiving anyways because then I don’t have to work on Christmas. My husband works in retail as a manager and has volunteered to work overtime Thanksgiving weekend. (His store is not open on Thanksgiving day though, but if it were, and he had the opportunity to work for extra hours or overtime, he would.) Although we hate being away from our kids, we are really struggling financially right now for various reasons, and it’s not like I will be working the entire Thanksgiving day, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving lunch and I will be going to work in the evening. Neither my husband and I have much family, so we usually don’t get together with anyone on Thanksgiving day anyways. It may sound like we’re being greedy but it’s coming to a point where we can barely pay for basic necessities-food, electric, etc. I am still looking for a full-time job. But, on this Thanksgiving, we are THANKFUL to be getting these extra shifts that nobody else wants so we can stay on top of things and ensure our kids will have a few gifts to open under the tree. Just another way to look at it, not everyone hates working on Thanksgiving.