Have we talked Black Friday yet?

[kayl84]

Is it just me or am i not seeing anything worth jumping out of bed for? We need stuff for the apartment and possibly for Christmas, but I’ve looked at a few ads online and have just been going “ehhhhh”. I’m going with a bunch of coworkers and ppl i met up here before i work that day.

Anyone see anything kind of worth it or reccs as to when would be better?

[VillainV]

The last few years have been pretty lackluster, though my impression is that big sales have become quite common year-round, so even 40-50% off sales seem a lot more commonplace now. For example, Old Navy just had 40 and 50% off sales in the last few weeks, and aren’t likely to be able to beat that for BF (or at least not by much).

Having said that, I never really understood BF. This is a time I want to buy stuff for other people, so sales on sheets and blenders and such seem pretty boring. I’m not looking to buy stuff for myself right now.

[Deleted]

I've been pretty underwhelmed by the ads that I've looked at so far. I'll probably go to Kohl's and knock some stuff off of my list, but nothing else is really making me want to run to the stores.

[Crystal]

Nothing has jumped out at me yet. I'm hoping for a few things, but not holding my breath.

[wildrice]

I had planned to buy a Christmas tree and a hand vacuum at Target, but I ended up ordering a tree from Home Depot instead. For me it's a huge turn off that many stores open on Thanksgiving - I am totally against that both for personal reasons and also largely because I think it's shitty for employers to make people work. So I'd probably order online if I got anything from Target, and I don't want to wait until a week after Thanksgiving to receive my Christmas tree since we will want to put it up ASAP. I still would like a hand vacuum so I might get that anyway. It was only $30 so nothing fancy, but I want something to clean up cat litter in between actual cleaning.

Beyond that I haven't looked at ads. I honestly don't have the money right now to buy random stuff and there is nothing we absolutely need. My H needs some more work clothes so maybe I'll if there are any decent men's clothing sales, but we'll probably wait until cyber Monday to order anyway.

[ssmjlm]

I'm hoping to get another echo dot for our rec room and a kids echo dot either BF or cyber Monday. Whatever amazon is touting as their big sale.

[megstoo]

Nothing is jumping out for us either and the majority of places are starting their black friday deals early again.

[puppylove64]

Target has a few things that we need for the house, but nothing great gift worthy. If you have a red card, you can buy Black Friday deals online on Wednesday. I will not be shopping Thursday night, that is wrong to me.

[mountaingirl]

We need household things like a leafblower, new grill and a weed eater. Not sure any of those will actually be on sale. I don’t go out shopping on Black Friday though. I usually do the online thing

[illgetthere]

Nov 8, 2018 8:09:21 GMT -5 wildrice said:

For me it's a huge turn off that many stores open on Thanksgiving - I am totally against that both for personal reasons and also largely because I think it's shitty for employers to make people work. So I'd probably order online if I got anything from Target

I stopped in Target on Thanksgiving last year, and the employees I encountered wanted to be there. I overheard a group of them, and they were happy to get 2x pay plus it was on a volunteer basis. Most seemed younger, and they had plenty of time to do family meals before the store opened. I'm sure it's not like that everywhere, but it didn't seem to be a bad thing

[Bernadine]

I haven't seen any deals, but I always go out Black Friday. I love the crowds, the music, the decorations.

[Deleted]

If I can't buy it online, without needing to set an alarm or timer or be in some mad dash to get it in my cart, I don't need or want it. I stay in Black Friday and nap like the universe intended.

[wildrice]

Nov 8, 2018 15:19:36 GMT -5 illgetthere said:

Nov 8, 2018 8:09:21 GMT -5 wildrice said:

For me it's a huge turn off that many stores open on Thanksgiving - I am totally against that both for personal reasons and also largely because I think it's shitty for employers to make people work. So I'd probably order online if I got anything from Target

I stopped in Target on Thanksgiving last year, and the employees I encountered wanted to be there. I overheard a group of them, and they were happy to get 2x pay plus it was on a volunteer basis. Most seemed younger, and they had plenty of time to do family meals before the store opened. I'm sure it's not like that everywhere, but it didn't seem to be a bad thing

IDK. My sister used to work at JC Penny and had to leave our family dinner early every year to get to bed so she could get up at 2am or whatever ridiculous time to be there that morning. She enjoyed being there for Black Friday, but it was crappy for everyone (including her) that she had to cut the family holiday short. It was an all hands on deck sort of thing so nobody got to choose to work, they were forced. 

If Target opens at 5pm, employees probably need to be there by 4pm if not earlier. If your family traditionally does lunch and then calls the day over, that's great, but I don't think that's the norm. I don't see why stores can't just give everyone a paid holiday and start selling things at a normal time on Friday. 

[wildrice]

Nov 8, 2018 9:39:36 GMT -5 jamie.1022 said:

I also want a kids echo dot.

Are Target doorbusters only available in-store?

I could be mistaken, but I think they are also available online (from what little research I did when I was considering getting a Christmas tree there). So if you don't mind waiting for stuff to arrive in the mail, that's definitely an option!

[kayl84]

I think I need to sit with a list of what I need and go from there. I have a feeling pre-Black Friday and even the weeks after will be better.

I need a Dustbuster or some kind of microfiber sweeper/mop thing for the hardwood, some misc rustic/industrial looking house stuff to decorate, and other items. For others? No idea. I’m sending out mass emails. Either make an amazon list or send me 3 things you want and I’ll pick one. If not y’all getting gift cards.

[spindle92]

Nov 8, 2018 15:19:36 GMT -5 illgetthere said:

Nov 8, 2018 8:09:21 GMT -5 wildrice said:

For me it's a huge turn off that many stores open on Thanksgiving - I am totally against that both for personal reasons and also largely because I think it's shitty for employers to make people work. So I'd probably order online if I got anything from Target

I stopped in Target on Thanksgiving last year, and the employees I encountered wanted to be there. I overheard a group of them, and they were happy to get 2x pay plus it was on a volunteer basis. Most seemed younger, and they had plenty of time to do family meals before the store opened. I'm sure it's not like that everywhere, but it didn't seem to be a bad thing

So this year they are opening at 5 which means a lot of the employees have to be there by 4.
And there is no volunteering, everyone at the store level works Thursday plus some people from corporate, like myself, have to be there. It sucks.

In retail there are exactly 2 days that people can count on being off and that is Xmas and Easter. It really is messed up.

[dontlook]

Nov 8, 2018 15:38:43 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Nov 8, 2018 15:19:36 GMT -5 illgetthere said:

I stopped in Target on Thanksgiving last year, and the employees I encountered wanted to be there. I overheard a group of them, and they were happy to get 2x pay plus it was on a volunteer basis. Most seemed younger, and they had plenty of time to do family meals before the store opened. I'm sure it's not like that everywhere, but it didn't seem to be a bad thing

IDK. My sister used to work at JC Penny and had to leave our family dinner early every year to get to bed so she could get up at 2am or whatever ridiculous time to be there that morning. She enjoyed being there for Black Friday, but it was crappy for everyone (including her) that she had to cut the family holiday short. It was an all hands on deck sort of thing so nobody got to choose to work, they were forced. 

If Target opens at 5pm, employees probably need to be there by 4pm if not earlier. If your family traditionally does lunch and then calls the day over, that's great, but I don't think that's the norm. I don't see why stores can't just give everyone a paid holiday and start selling things at a normal time on Friday. 

Plus it means a lot of corporate and distribution center employees have to work too. H just was informed he will be working 6-3 on thanksgiving day. He got one of the better shifts.

[spindle92]

Nov 8, 2018 9:39:36 GMT -5 jamie.1022 said:

I also want a kids echo dot.

Are Target doorbusters only available in-store?

Door buster items are only available at the store. There are no rain checks and when the shit is gone, it is gone.

[laurack]

So if something in the target Black Friday deals flyer is not a door buster does that mean I can order it online? And, what time would online stuff go on sale ?

Normally I don’t do any Black Friday shopping but I’m interested in the $199 Apple Watch deal

[spindle92]

Nov 8, 2018 17:29:10 GMT -5 laurack said:

So if something in the target Black Friday deals flyer is not a door buster does that mean I can order it online? And, what time would online stuff go on sale ?

Normally I don’t do any Black Friday shopping but I’m interested in the $199 Apple Watch deal

We have not heard all the specifics yet but the rumor is that no apple products will be available online early. They might go online at the same time the stores open but like I said, we haven't heard the official word yet.

[notasafeplace]

Nov 8, 2018 16:46:51 GMT -5 spindle92 said:

Nov 8, 2018 15:19:36 GMT -5 illgetthere said:

I stopped in Target on Thanksgiving last year, and the employees I encountered wanted to be there. I overheard a group of them, and they were happy to get 2x pay plus it was on a volunteer basis. Most seemed younger, and they had plenty of time to do family meals before the store opened. I'm sure it's not like that everywhere, but it didn't seem to be a bad thing

So this year they are opening at 5 which means a lot of the employees have to be there by 4.
And there is no volunteering, everyone at the store level works Thursday plus some people from corporate, like myself, have to be there. It sucks.

In retail there are exactly 2 days that people can count on being off and that is Xmas and Easter. It really is messed up.

I work at Kohl’s. We also open at 5. Nothing is on a volunteer basis, lol. I mean you can give a preference of working on Thanksgiving or Black Friday but you aren’t guaranteed to get your preferred shift. And if you are a manager, which I am, you have to work both days.

And to those saying they will not shop on Thanksgiving but will order online, these days a lot of those orders are resourced to stores so we will have a crew picking orders all day on Thanksgiving.

It is what it is, I work retail, I know I’m going to work that day. I actually find the craziness of it all kind of fun. What gets me is the people who are there on Thanksgiving talking about how it’s so wrong that we are open on Thanksgiving and they are sorry we can’t be home with our families...umm no you’re not, otherwise you wouldn’t be here right now.

[wildrice]

Nov 8, 2018 17:43:01 GMT -5 notasafeplace said:

Nov 8, 2018 16:46:51 GMT -5 spindle92 said:

So this year they are opening at 5 which means a lot of the employees have to be there by 4.
And there is no volunteering, everyone at the store level works Thursday plus some people from corporate, like myself, have to be there. It sucks.

In retail there are exactly 2 days that people can count on being off and that is Xmas and Easter. It really is messed up.

I work at Kohl’s. We also open at 5. Nothing is on a volunteer basis, lol. I mean you can give a preference of working on Thanksgiving or Black Friday but you aren’t guaranteed to get your preferred shift. And if you are a manager, which I am, you have to work both days.

And to those saying they will not shop on Thanksgiving but will order online, these days a lot of those orders are resourced to stores so we will have a crew picking orders all day on Thanksgiving.

It is what it is, I work retail, I know I’m going to work that day. I actually find the craziness of it all kind of fun. What gets me is the people who are there on Thanksgiving talking about how it’s so wrong that we are open on Thanksgiving and they are sorry we can’t be home with our families...umm no you’re not, otherwise you wouldn’t be here right now.

I did not know they came from the stores. I guess I just assumed the online systems processed orders and that things were packaged and shipped on the next business day. I guess I assumed there were some website maintenance folks working but would have thought warehouses and such were not open. That's frustrating!

[Bernadine]

Nov 8, 2018 17:48:42 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Nov 8, 2018 15:23:03 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

I haven't seen any deals, but I always go out Black Friday. I love the crowds, the music, the decorations.

It’s my literal idea of hell.

Same for me, 364 days of the year. I hate people, I hate crowds. But somehow, I love Black Friday.

[sweetchix]

I think someone mentioned on her iPads for $199? Or maybe it was Facebook. Anyway, I’m hoping to find a deal like that so I can get them for DDs. That’s really all I’m out for this year.

[linz]

Nov 8, 2018 17:43:01 GMT -5 notasafeplace said:

Nov 8, 2018 16:46:51 GMT -5 spindle92 said:

So this year they are opening at 5 which means a lot of the employees have to be there by 4.
And there is no volunteering, everyone at the store level works Thursday plus some people from corporate, like myself, have to be there. It sucks.

In retail there are exactly 2 days that people can count on being off and that is Xmas and Easter. It really is messed up.

I work at Kohl’s. We also open at 5. Nothing is on a volunteer basis, lol. I mean you can give a preference of working on Thanksgiving or Black Friday but you aren’t guaranteed to get your preferred shift. And if you are a manager, which I am, you have to work both days.

And to those saying they will not shop on Thanksgiving but will order online, these days a lot of those orders are resourced to stores so we will have a crew picking orders all day on Thanksgiving.

It is what it is, I work retail, I know I’m going to work that day. I actually find the craziness of it all kind of fun. What gets me is the people who are there on Thanksgiving talking about how it’s so wrong that we are open on Thanksgiving and they are sorry we can’t be home with our families...umm no you’re not, otherwise you wouldn’t be here right now.

I have a friend who works at Kohls and fills the online orders. I had no idea they came from local stores until I ordered something online once and she text me that she saw my order! I like that I can order stuff from Kohls black friday ad online earlier in the week. 


I used to love black friday shopping back when stores opened at 5, maybe 4 am on Friday. I haven't gone to a store on that week in years. I do everything online. It seemed like this year there were so many stores with sales this past week.

[morecoffeeplease]

We are looking for an iphone. I wonder if the deals are only for new lines.

[puppylove64]

Nov 8, 2018 20:57:53 GMT -5 sweetchix said:

I think someone mentioned on her iPads for $199? Or maybe it was Facebook. Anyway, I’m hoping to find a deal like that so I can get them for DDs. That’s really all I’m out for this year.

I saw iPads really cheap on Best Buy. They were $150 off but I don’t remember the price

[meganew]

Nov 8, 2018 15:23:03 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

I haven't seen any deals, but I always go out Black Friday. I love the crowds, the music, the decorations.

Twins!! I go every year, whether I’m in the market for something or not.

[kayl84]

I forgot Walmart has layaway. Yep. Everyone is getting a Walmart thing. Especially the little kids we need to buy for. That’s gonna be my easiest bet right now.

[redheadk]

Best Buy has the 128gb iPads $100 off today and that’s the best deal I’ve seen on those. I think the minis are $150 off. Between that and the Logitech crayon bundle, I think I’m going to buy today and pickup at my local store. We are getting a new “family” iPad for Christmas.