Everyone knows Black Friday as being the day after Thanksgiving when we get all of our Christmas shopping done. People all over the country set their alarm clocks for 5 a.m so they can go stand in line for hours to get the best deals. I’m not going to lie, I love Black Friday. There’s something so exciting about waiting in line with the masses in anticipation of getting the biggest and best deal. Black Friday becomes the focus point of many people’s Thanksgiving weekends. However, while I love shopping, I have realized that this may not be such a good thing.
It seems as if people are scarfing down their turkeys just to go wait in line at their favorite retailers. I feel like Black Friday may take away from the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is about realizing what we have and being thankful for it. It seems wrong to be sitting down with your family one second and five minutes later you’re pushing over Suzy at Target because she grabbed the shirt that you wanted. You’re too busy trying to stay warm in a tent outside Best Buy than being inside with your loved ones enjoying the holiday together.
Many stores are starting their Black Friday sales earlier and earlier this year which may cause an even bigger distraction when it comes to Thanksgiving. However, one store has come to their senses. REI, an outdoor outfitters, has decided to close on Thanksgiving and pay their 12,000 employees to take off on Black Friday. “Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the essential truth that life is richer, more connected and complete when you choose to spend it outside,” REI Chief Executive Jerry Stritzke said.
On Black Friday their website will show a black takeover screen to remind people to spend time with their friends and family. Since this announcement, many other retailers have decided to close on Thanksgiving and reopen on Black Friday. I think REI has made a very good decision and it would be wise for other retailers to do the same. Employees should be at home enjoying their holiday, not at work having to deal with savings-hungry shoppers.
Retailers should start thinking more about their employees on this holiday and less about making money. My advice is that everyone should follow in REI’s footsteps and stay inside with your loved ones this Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with them.
Isabelle Compton, Staffer
