Black Friday.

     It's funny, when you think about it.  All I said in the title section of the header for this blog, was two words.  Yet, I'm sure all of you know exactly what I'm referencing....moreover you were probably flooded with all sorts of emotions about this day.  Black Friday.  A more suitable name, there could not be.  The day after Thanksgiving, some 152 million shoppers will hit retail stores across the U.S.  That's not counting all the people who decide not to get up at 3 in the am, but rather do their shopping from the comfort of their computer at home.  152 million shoppers!  Black Friday.  Such a dark nickname, for the opening day of the holiday shopping season.  How did it get that nickname you ask?  Well, the nickname actually goes back to the year 1975.  Apparently some officers from the Philadelphia police force, coined the nickname because of the massive traffic mess it created in their city. 

     The day after Thanksgiving certainly isn't black for the retail stores, that are brave enough to open their doors to the public at 3-4 am.  Most retailers cash in on Black Friday. In 2009, Americans spent over $10.66 billion dollars on Black Friday.  Several retailers don't actually turn a profit on the year, until Black Friday.  It used to be common practice, for most retailers to give their employees the day off, the day after Thanksgiving.  Especially if they had to work on Thanksgiving.  With the rate that people are spending money on Black Friday, the stores have responded by running their best deals of the year.  As a result, it's all hands on deck for most retail shops. 

     You can imagine, with the increased traffic flow to some of these stores....and the limited space some stores have to deal with....it can be pretty crazy, and dangerous even, in some stores.  As a matter of fact, there have been so many injuries, and deaths, that if you google Black Friday injuries, you'll have several sites dedicated to just that.  Some sites have even ranked the most gruesome stories.  Although, it is hard to deny some of the sales at these retail stores, the day after Thanksgiving....I think I'll do what the other half of America does, as far as holiday shopping.  Which is wait until the week of Christmas to get it done.  I like my sleep.