With Black Friday just around the corner, people are starting to get into the Christmas shopping mood early. It is the peak season to save money on holiday purchases, with major retailers offering some of their lowest prices of the year. So, should you go out after Thanksgiving and try to fight people over the last flatscreen TV, or curl up with a blanket and order online?
Less than ten years ago, people were camped outside of stores for hours before they opened to try to get a new toaster or a hot deal that was being offered. But now that stores like Amazon have deals on their website for almost a month before Black Friday, families would rather stay inside than go out and face crowds.
Black Friday shopping now is a lot less chaotic and crowded than it used to be. People no longer camp outside in lines or storm the doors, instead waiting in their cars until a store opens. However, malls are still filled with deal seeking groups looking to get a discount gift for their friends and family.
When deciding between whether to shop online or in person, you must consider your purpose. Shopping in person for other people is easily better than shopping online since you can window shop for different things rather than trying to have a specific item in mind (that might already be sold out). Although the number gets smaller each year, some doorbuster deals only launch in stores. It is also a chance to score some of the best Black Friday deals that sold out online; your nearest store may still have stock to sell once doors open on Black Friday morning.
However, shopping online also has benefits that in-person shopping doesn’t. You can compare different deals with just a few clicks rather than having to drive to different stores. You will not have to ditch your family during the holidays or wake up super early the next day to brace yourself for a long day of being on your feet. Additionally, when you order, your items will be delivered right to your door. However, while it is convenient for all of your Black Friday purchases to arrive at your doorstep, there can often be a delay between placing your order and actually having the product in your possession
If you want a specific item that you know will be on sale, shopping online is a simpler process. If you don’t want or need one specific thing, going out for Black Friday is a much more lively way to shop: you can wander malls or various stores and window shop for deals and different items, and you might see things that are only available in store or find something you did not know you wanted. Any way you shop, Black Friday is a great Thanksgiving tradition that families enjoy every holiday season.
