Lyon Life

Cooper Lewis ‘26, News Editor

Overrated, overhyped: the downsides of Black Friday

Cooper Lewis ‘26, News Editor

Everyone loves a good sale and to see most coveted favorite items decrease in price. A sale is the perfect chance to purchase a long-awaited material on which you have had your eyes. This is what businesses want you to believe about Black Friday. But, what if it is not what it is all hyped up to be? 

With the recent rise in inflation, these “deals” are not as much of a steal as they might claim to be. In 2020 alone, prices of household appliances and various electronics were on average three percent higher than their original price before Black Friday. Similarly, advertised discounts on said products were less than five percent. In 2022, crowds were annoyed with businesses advertising their sales as 50 percent off, a common sale that most retail stores use throughout the year. Many believed that on Black Friday alone, sales should reach the 60-80 percent off margin. As Kelly Xiong, a writer for the Pitt News, put it, “If I do not feel like I am robbing you, I do not want it.” 

Online shoppers have also brought forward evidence of businesses scamming their buyers. Days before Black Friday, they will raise the prices of items, only to lower them back to the original price on Black Friday. Amazon did the same on their yearly Prime Day, raising the prices of items days before the big deal, just to make the regular price seem like a bargain. Are these the ‘deals’ you want when shopping on Black Friday?
These so-called “deals” produce various problems for customers. Many families do their Christmas shopping on Black Friday, a good and previously cheap way to get gifts for loved ones. But with the rising prices, this is getting more and more difficult for those with less money. 

Terrible deals should be reason enough to not go Black Friday shopping. However, if that does not convince you that this “holiday” is ridiculous, maybe the fact that since 2010, nearly 20 people have been killed over Black Friday alone, does. 

For instance, in 2021, a man was killed outside of an Austin, Texas Walmart on Black Friday and in 2018, two people were stabbed at a Macy’s in New York. A woman was pepper sprayed because of an argument over a TV in 2013, and while it did not result in any casualties, it is ridiculous nonetheless. There are dozens of other cases similar to these. Most of these cases still have no motive behind them. But seeing as they occurred on Black Friday and outside of retailers, it can easily be interpreted that something likely occured over prices or deals. 

There are many alternatives to Black Friday shopping. Cyber Monday for example, has the same concept, except online. No more risking your life for a 30 percent off TV. Not to mention the fact that in recent years, businesses have begun lowering their prices as the Christmas season draws near. The next time you plan on going Black Friday shopping, remember how ridiculous the whole ordeal is. Save your money, save your time, and do not let businesses scam you.