Having purchased what I wanted online, I didn't have a specific reason to 'celebrate' black Friday today. Out of a sense of curiosity however, I did roll out of bed at 6:00 AM and trotted off to a couple of stores just to see what was going on.
Of course by that time, all of the 'door crasher' deals had been snapped up (both stores I visited had opened at 5:00 AM). Admittedly however, I was absolutely amazed at the crowds and the very full shopping carts. Anecdotal news reports indicate this is turning out to be a much better kickoff to the Christmas shopping season compared to black Friday 2008.
Are today's brief observations an indication that people are turning back on their pledges to save and pay off debt, and instead return to a consumer driven economy? While it is too early to make that conclusion - and it would be discouraging if this indeed was happening - it was at least encouraging that many people felt confident enough in their financial lives that they were able to go out and spend a few dollars today.
And in case you're wondering, I didn't buy a single thing this morning.
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