Black Friday deals can be pretty attractive, but be careful where you find them. In some places, they’re not worth the risk to your safety.
What is this? This isn’t a gathering for a concert, a vigil / protest, or a wild sports event.
Photo by NY Times
This is a highly expectant crowd that’s in full “take all prisoners down” mode, a buzzing assembly that’s just about ready to bust through the doors, rush and squeeze through and tackle down anything in their path. It’s a Black Friday horde of shoppers waiting to do their bit somewhere in the U.S.
Unfortunately, worse has happened today, as a Bentonville, Ark. crowd basically turned into a mob, which “physically broke down the doors and knocked a Wal-Mart employee to the ground.” The employee was trampled upon and died in the process. Oh gosh, so terrible and tragic. I feel badly for the worker’s family… Can’t anyone be safe doing their jobs anymore?
These days, layoffs, bad bosses, stress from overtime, crime and disgruntled employees may be the stuff we worry about when it comes to our work — but seriously — I’d never expect “rioting customers” (among them, probably resellers and scalpers for those hard-to-find items) to be among such risk factors. I guess you can just add “out-of-control customers” to your list of things that can threaten your life and limb, especially if you happen to work in retail.
With the predicted anemic turnout for retail stores this holiday season, I’m actually surprised that there are still crowds like this that are germinating in certain places.
I no longer do my shopping in the brick-and-mortar malls. I have been gradually switching to online shopping, especially during the holidays, because of the higher risk of crime, accidents (navigating through sleet, rain, snow and traffic is no fun) and unruly crowds during this time of year. With so many shopping options, last minute gift ideas, discount deals and offers that abound online, I don’t know why people still resort to joining the mayhem in malls rather than make their purchases from the comfort, security and safety of their homes.
Maybe it’s not so bad where you are? And yes, I can see how 50% to 60% off for major items can be a big pull, but the competition for the limited supply can be pretty intimidating. Then again, if your neighborhood stores are seeing slower foot traffic or you don’t have an internet connection or you really have your heart set on certain specific items that are only available at this cutthroat prices in a physical establishment, then I can see how your local mall or shopping club can still be fairly inviting.
Nevertheless, here’s what shopping this time of year reminds me of. Are Black Friday bargains worth it? Sadly, it wasn’t…. for the unlucky chaps who get in the line of fire when mob mentality takes over.
What’s it like where you live?
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What a horrible story, I read it earlier as well. I believe it happened in Long Island, New York, Arkansas is where Walmart is based. When I read the headline I thought it would be an older employee, it was a 34 year old man. I can’t imagine what deal was so great you’d trample someone to get it.
I agree — prior to this holiday season, I would have never expected riots to be a risk of Black Friday shopping. Crowds, sure, but riots resulting in death? I really wanted to shop yesterday since that’s just what you’re supposed to do, but decided against it because I didn’t want to deal with the mob scene, but now I’m REALLY glad I didn’t hit the malls and stores! It’s so sad that it’s come to this.
Last year two people were killed via gunfire over items and twenty plus were trampled (not dead, but hurt). This year so far I have not heard of any deaths via gunfire, and only one trampling (unfortunately they died). I think this is all about the mentality of the stores. If stores would actually stock up on the items that they say they are supposed to have, then people would not have to rush into the stores, and get everything. The first few hundred can get what they want. Rushing into the store is what does it.
It is all stupidity, greed, and the thought of saving a buck. Most of the crap up for sale, was not even worth it. Things you could find any other day of the week for the same prices. Oh well, to each person their own. I think the media gets off rather scott free on this – they are the ones with “black friday reporters” and web sites, and trackers. It is all around the hysteria and anticipation.
I can’t imagine shopping under these conditions. You couldn’t get me into a brick-&-mortar at this time of year.
Yeah the stories seemed sad and bizarre. I avoided black friday before and this pretty cements me not wanting to go out. I cant believe people were freaking out to get in walmart. I know walmart is cheap but (at least in my opinion) alot of their merchandise is pretty junky and breaks and needs replacement. So I don’t know how much one is really saving once you calculate the shortened lifespan and wasted time to go buy a replacement.
This is not the fault of the retailer. And don’t blame the victim. It’s completely disgusting and I hope they get all the people who stepped on or over this man.
Just to follow up on this. It turns out Wal-Mart had to pay for the Black Friday accident last week. Hopefully that will teach them from offering deals that are too good so people won’t charge the store to shop and get the discounts.
That would be a terrible way to go. Avoiding the crazed mob of people is always worth spending a few extra bucks in my book.