shopperpro

I have just finished catching up on the news for Black Friday. Sales for televisions and children’s toys are up. Although the crowds in the stores on Friday were comparative to what the crowds have been in recent years, sales overall are still down. It appears that there are many more lookers then buyers, a testament to the hard economic times we are all facing. However, those that are buying this year are reported to be much more aggressive than in previous years.

Among the incidents marring Black Friday the one that has to take precedence is the sad, avoidable death of a temporary worker for Wal Mart in Long Island, New York. Police were called in for crowd control for the Wal Mart at 3am that morning, but just before 5am they were nowhere to be found. Unruly crowds desperate for Black Friday bargains shattered the front doors to the Wal Mart and stampeded inside trampling over Jdimytai Damour, 34. Several other Wal Mart workers sustained minor injuries trying to help him, but to no avail as he was pronounced dead just an hour later.

I cannot fully express what a sad commentary on our times I find this. No matter how good the bargain, it’s still just a thing that cannot possibly compare to the love of your friends and family. As a mystery shopper who is scheduled to complete several mall shops this week myself, I cannot help but feel a little bit apprehensive on what I might find when conducting these shops. I surely do plan to take an extra large helping of patience with me.

No matter where you plan on shopping this holiday season please be safe and sensible.