Black Friday--Start of "Official" Christmas Shopping Season in the USA

"Black Friday"--the "official" starting date of the Christmas Shopping season in the USA is the day after Thanksgiving.  Retailers prepare for that date because, historically, sales on that date put the retailers "in the black" (on the positive side of the ledger) for the year--rather than being "in the red" (on the negative side of the ledger).

With the economic downturn in the USA in 2009, retailers have been concerned.  Some opened on Thanksgiving and some have been pushing "Black Friday" sales earlier than the official "Black Friday" to make sure consumers bought merchandise in their stores rather than finding them somewhere else.

Shoppers participate fully in the event, sometimes camping out in the parking lots before major retailers until they open their doors at special hours set aside for "Black Friday" shopping.  Smaller amounts of merchandise on special sales are expected to be made available this year, making the competition to get the desired product at the best price even keener among consumers.

Though many items may be on sale, many consumers, experiencing the economic downturn directly, may not be in a position to take advantage of the sale prices until their personal economies become more stable--putting the consumers "in the black" in their own ledger books.

I didn't shop today, though I was in and around shopping areas.  I did not see the crowds the media had led me to expect and it was a beautiful, sunny, day--a little cool (good to be indoors) with little traffic congestion  on the roads.

I shop online for many things and go to discount stores and membership shopping clubs (Sam's Club and Costco) for many of the things I purchase for gifts and for personal use.  I'm not rushing to spend money this year and my gift budget will be for smaller items than in prior years.  "Quality over quantity this year" is a good perspective to have.

I did hear my first Christmas music for the year.  I'm glad I like the music because I'll be hearing it until December 26th, 2009.