I don’t know about you, but as soon as November 1st hit, there were commercials all over TV and radio blasting holiday tunes. Let’s face it: totally not surprising, right? But for the postconsumer, it’s just a distracting attempt to get you to buy, buy, buy. Not only is the pressure on for companies to make all the profits, it’s also pressuring you to buy stuff for you and your friends and family.
Looking At The Numbers
We know all about Black Friday today (otherwise known as Buy Nothing Day!) and Cyber Monday, and even though it’s just a weekend, the whole shebang is now being called “Black Week.” Last year, on Cyber Monday, 49% of the purchases made happened on office computers! (Were people actually doing work that day?) Getting shopping done has gone so far as people doing their shopping at work! Wow. 2010 seemed to be a bounce back year for retailers in that people spent an estimated $45 billion on Black Friday, which averages out to about $365 a person. For some perspective, individual spending averaged about $345 a person in 2009. According to the National Retail Federation, they expect sales during this entire holiday season to hit over $465 billion dollars.
Looking At… The Environment?
Those on the East Coast of the U.S. had a little taste of winter with “Snowtober,” but that may end up being a boon for retailers. This winter the northeast is looking at possible above-average temperatures, which could mean more foot traffic to stores during the holidays. The theory for retailers (like JC Penney or Macy’s) is that people will be less inclined to buy cold winter clothes or accessories, and use that disposable income on higher-end items like computers or other electronics.
So now that you’re going to be hearing every different kind of badly remade holiday song for the next two months, it’s time to start thinking about where you want or don’t want to spend your money – and maybe learn something new to make that unique gift, so you won’t be caught up in the anxiety-filled crowds!
Do you have alternate “Black Week” plans? Like us on Facebook and tell us!
