Black Friday

Black Friday is a shoppers dream. It is the day after Thanksgiving, and marks the start of the holiday season. Stores open at insane hours- Kohl’s opened at 6am, Target at 7am etc. Each year during the week of thanksgiving stores such as Kohl’s and Target advertise their insanely early store hours to lure customers in. They have special “door buster” sales and other promotional offers to attract you in.

I for one have never gone to a store before 10am. And why would I? I don’t see the need to shop at Target at 6:00 in the morning to save a few bucks. Unless they were to give away a T.V for every $100 spent or something, then maybe I would consider going. However, I did make my way downtown to go shopping with my parents. Economists say that “Black Friday” is a good way to see how the economy is doing, and how much consumers are willing to spend. I was anticipating heavy traffic into the city, and large crowds of people in the stores. I was surprised when I got downtown in thirty minutes, and was able to move on Michigan Ave. with ease. I was able to get around large department stores such as Bloomingdales easily, and didn’t feel overwhelmed like I thought I would. From my observations, people were definitely willing to spend money. They had multiple large shopping bags, and had no problem throwing down hundreds in specific departments such as shoes.

While I love shopping, I think that the overcrowding on black Friday is a myth. It was just like any other shopping day- although there was a sense of holiday spirit in the stores, which I love. So for those who think that the economy is on a downward spiral, they clearly haven’t gone shopping in downtown Chicago, because while it wasn’t completely packed, I’ve never seen more shopping bags before!

Different Cultures = Different Body Language

I was born and raised in Chicago. I’m used to a fast paced lifestyle, and avoiding eye contact whenever possible. However, since I’ve been in Dallas I’ve noticed that the people down here will do anything to start a conversation, and move at a much slower pace. Also, when they first meet you they are really excited, and shake your hand, and sometimes even kiss you on the cheek. Back home this never happens, and chances are the person you just met will forget you in five minutes.

For example, whenever I’ve gone to Whole Foods, or Tom Thumb, the check out lady/man will start a conversation with me, and seem genuinely interested! At first this was so strange to me! I’m usually in such a hurry to get in and get out, but the cashier wants to talk. Now, after have experienced this a few times it’s kind of comforting. But as far as the slower paced lifestyle- that’s something I am not used to!

Just the other day at Whole Foods, the cashier was engaged in a rather lengthy conversation with the lady in front of me. Now I was in the express line, so I thought I’d get out of there fast. But no! They continued to talk for a good five minutes after she’d already paid and bagged her items. Now I understand that they were having a conversation, but it was making me very impatient. But it does comfort you knowing that people are interested in your life.

This whole idea made me think of Heat-Moon in Blue Highways. While he was on his journey, he met so many interesting people and had some of the best conversations with them. He traveled the USA on small, off-beaten roads and learned so much about himself. I think that coming to school in Texas is my version of the off-beaten path. While I do miss the fast-paced lifestyle of Chicago, it has been nice to come to a completely different part of the country, and meet people with different backgrounds than me.