The buzz on Black Friday

Screen Shot 2018-11-21 at 10.22.12 AM

(Photo: Pexels)

A recent poll by Reuters revealed over 1/3 of Americans plan to go shopping this Black Friday. Regarded as the official start to the holiday shopping season, contrary to popular belief, the Friday after Thanksgiving was not originally coined as “Black Friday” due to a history of shopping chaos.

After operating a full year “in the red” (at a loss), rumor has it the Friday after Thanksgiving stores would earn a profit due to shoppers spending so much on discounted items. Stores would then go “in the black ” (generating profit). Hence, Black Friday.

Since then, the day has evolved into one of the most profitable days for retailers and as the ultimate holiday shopping event for many.

Figuring out where to get the best deals can be challenging (especially in the wee hours of the morning). This shopping cheat sheet shows which products to track + which to ignore. 👀

DYK these Black Friday stats?

🛍️ According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are expected to spend about $61 billion over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend.

🛍️ Of the generations, Gen X plans to spend $592.83 on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s higher than the average $560.17 Gen Y says they’ll spend in 2018 and more than double the $247.92 reported by baby boomers.

🛍️ Retail sales in November have increased by $94.39 billion compared to a decade ago. ($453.5 billion was spent in November 2017 + $341.1 billion in November 2007.)

How to elevate your Black Friday Plans

💳 Rise early. According to Google’s data, traffic tends to be heaviest in the afternoon.

💳 Follow your budget. Make a list and stick to it. Opt for cash, leaving your credit cards at home.

💳 Be a tech genius. Download the Black Friday app by Zazzle to get real-time news about leaked ads, discounted products, and access to the best coupons.

💳 Don’t wear the color red to Target. (No explanation needed.)

Are you planning on celebrating today? Let us know where you manage to find the best deals or how you may be spending your chill day, otherwise.

For you introverts, remember, there’s always Cyber Monday.


More from NOOGAtoday
She founded the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts and filled it with thousands of antiques she collected. But that’s just part of her story.
Chattanooga Public Works is proposing three plans to improve safety and traffic flow in Riverview Town Center.
Creature Comforts will debut space inside “The Shed” in the Foundries District.
The slasher was shot in an old factory off Amnicola Highway and the woods near Snooper’s Rock.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Airbnb released its travel predictions for the year — here’s how you can join the trends right from the Scenic City.
To help make your entire process at the Chattanooga Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.
A recent survey named the North Shore park Tennessee’s top public space to live near — so we found the closest listings.
Hamilton County residents are invited to Storm Safety Day featuring demonstrations, expert Q&A, and weather radio help.
Chattanooga Lookouts share full promotional schedule for Opening Week.