Woman Longs For Return To More Traditional Black Fridays Of Her Childhood

DuBois, PA – For area resident Allison McDaniels, the end of year holiday shopping season is always special, but she finds herself wistfully longing for a return to the more traditional Black Fridays of her childhood.  Warm sweaters are out, bright Christmas decorations abound, but Allison’s thoughts hearken back to cherished memories of wrestling bargain televisions from the hands of other frantic holiday shoppers. 

“The local mall would always be decorated so beautifully for discounts,” recounts a nostalgic Allison, “dodging old people on your pre-planned route to Sharper Image for a half-priced back massager no one would end up using.”

Experts note it’s normal for many to miss the more authentic Black Fridays of their past. The perpetual circling of the parking lot looking for an open spot, the jostling through crowded lines, only to return home bruised and battered with a new story about saving 60% off an ill-fitting blouse from Nordstrom’s.  These things matter.

The growth of online shopping and the global pandemic has accelerated the move away from traditional shopping frenzies that once epitomized this special time of year.  Allison has tried to recapture her wanning spirit of Black Friday by watching old recordings of treasured QVC classics and filling her home with the “The Softer Side of Sears” jingle, but both are poor substitutes for standing in long lines with an armful of marginally discounted knick-knacks. 

“Now Black Friday has become all about manic refreshing of multiple websites to grab the best deals online before scalpers.  It’s missing that Black Friday human element.”  Allison pensively concludes: “When I push that purchase button, I don’t feel that same BF spirit I get when arguing with a stranger about purchase limits in the Bath & Body Works store.  Isn’t that the true meaning of Black Friday, spending time with others, angrily?”