the day after

Friday was the first time in many years that I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving. CL and I started at 7 AM and hit Target for a few things before I dropped her off at work. With most stores opening at 5 and 6 AM, we were starting pretty late. And I knew there would be crowds, but I was amazed at the full parking lots and long, long lines. At 7 AM!! We got into an express lane and were out of there in maybe 20 minutes.

I had planned to return to Target after dropping CL off, but I decided against it after we left. My next stop, and the one I dreaded the most, was Best Buy. It took me roughly 15 minutes to find what I wanted (some things were gone already). They had the checkout line roped off, like they always do in the holiday season, and I thought nothing of it. When I was ready to check out, I finally noticed the line weaved in and out each home appliance aisle and towards the back of the store. I got in line near the vacuum cleaners, and put on my headphones. Along the way were items left behind by shoppers who changed their mind. There were also racks of DVD’s, CD’s, and accessories for us to look at as we made the slow approach to checkout. There were sodas and water ($1.25 apiece) in the fridges, as well as DVD box sets. It was interesting. I must say the people in line were patient, and there weren’t any problems. I will say that Best Buy got something right in preparation. I was in line for about an hour.

I didn’t make it too far after that. KMart was worse than Target; I left, thinking 1 item wasn’t worth the extra few bucks of savings as opposed to the hours of waiting in line. Got to the mall, and the parking lot was absolutely crazy. I found a spot far, far away, and walked. I hit a few stores, and left as quickly as possible. Needless to say, even though I had more to get, I was done for the day.

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2005 | Categories: events | Leave A Comment »