Every year, Black Friday rolls around and the question of whether it is worth your time is brought up. Historically, Black Friday was a huge deal. Stores were all decked out weeks before and stellar deals were promoted long before the big day. Long lines filled the streets of department stores where people would spend a huge chunk of their mornings waiting. Serious shoppers would sometimes push and shove, wait in line for hours, and essentially be willing to sacrifice anything to save a little extra money. Although there are certainly people who look forward to this day each year and who still choose to shop early in the morning, there is no doubt that the number of people who Black Friday shop has slowly dwindled down.
High school students are always looking to save a little money wherever they can. Whether that be online shopping for Cyber Monday/Black Friday or getting brave and going in person, the deals are what students are looking for during this season of gift-giving. Many students shop for themselves, friends, family, or anyone important in their lives.
Senior Ava Owen has decided to shop online in hopes of scoring some holiday deals. Owen shared that she’s never experienced Black Friday shopping in person before because she always thought it was so much easier to do it online.
“I prefer online shopping because it’s much easier. You don’t have to worry about waking up in the morning and the hassle of a ton of people being there. And, you can just sit in your bed and shop. It’s so awesome,” said Owen.
Generally speaking, Owen believes there are pros and cons to shopping online over in person. Owen feels shopping in stores gives you a better idea of what you’re buying.
She said, “I like going shopping in person because I can actually see the item in person. I like being able to try it on and see if it actually works.”
Although it’s nice to see the item before you buy it, Owen believes there are still many pros to doing it online.
“Online shopping is just easier though. Like every once in a while, if I need another product I already have, it’s so simple to just order it,” said Owen. “Or like if I see a pair of leggings in a different color than the ones I already have, just ordering is easier. But just like shopping for fun, I like going to stores better.”
Owen is looking for deals for her college wardrobe and specifically, dressier tops. She is interested in shopping at Aerie, Amazon, Altar’d State, and Garage.
“Sometimes, I’ll be scrolling through Instagram and the deals will pop up. Or my friends will let me know of the places that are having good Black Friday sales. The spread of word and just scrolling randomly is how I know what’s on sale,” said Owen.
Overall, Owen is passionate about how much simpler it is to shop online and beat the crowds.
“Getting up at 3 am to go shopping is absolutely not for me. I’d much rather sleep in and get the items in the mail next week. The deals are almost always the same online,” said Owen.
On the flip side of things, senior Kennedy Sorber enjoys the experience of in-person Black Friday shopping. Sorber shared she has gone Black Friday shopping before, and has decided to go again because she enjoyed the experience last time.
“I love shopping on Black Friday because you can get really good deals and usually there is a lot of stuff in stock. You might not see it on any other day, so I like getting to go in the store and see it on the big day,” said Sorber.
Sorber is looking for deals from Scheels, Lululemon, Nike, Hobby Lobby, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Target. She is also planning for her shopping trip to start at around 6 am. She is looking for clothes and shoes as these items can tend to be very pricey.
“My plans are to go shopping at the mall and get deals. Because you know, things can be very pricey, and if you go on Black Friday you can get really good deals. You can also get more stuff,” said Sorber.
Getting good deals and saving money on the day is just one part of the pros to shopping in person Sorber believes. There is more benefit than just saving money when you get to shop in person is part of her opinion.
“Seeing what other people are getting is fun, and it’s more fun in person. Sometimes, you don’t see the stuff they have in store online and you just get the experience,” said Sorber.
