So much for the big bad Black Friday (off to a flat start)

[TheGunslinger]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051126/us_nm/retail_sales_dc

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The U.S. holiday season's first major shopping day got off to a relatively flat start compared to a strong 2004, despite special promotions, discounts and expanded hours, according to figures released on Saturday.

"With heavy discounting by non-mall retailers combined with the extended shopping season in 2005, consumers may not feel the pressure to shop early this holiday season," retail research group ShopperTrak said in a statement.

Shoppers lined up to grab early-bird specials as many stores opened before sunrise on the Friday after Thanksgiving -- known in the industry as Black Friday because it traditionally marked the date when retailers began turning a profit for the year.

Data from ShopperTrak showed Black Friday sales were flat, down a slight 0.9 percent from a year ago to $8 billion. ShopperTrak said sales in the South were particularly good with the Midwest coming in second. Major retailers will release November results later this week.





Be sure to vote it up, too.

[Raine]

1. Hmmmmm

"Wal-Mart this year launched its advertising campaign on November 1, the earliest in company history, and slashed prices across the stores. The strategy appears to have paid off."

"Appears" to have paid off but did it really (??) if you have to advertise so early then slash prices so much do you really make a profit(?).

[mrcheerful]

2. When everything you sell has a 100% to

300% mark up from stores cost, the slashing of products have little effect on profeits.

[ismnotwasm]

3. I saw the wall mart grab on TV

Grossed me out. Even if wall mart didn't suck on general terms, the one closest to me is too far away, is always dirty and confusing to shop in.
'Sides, Not only am I buying blue this year-- everybody is getting a decent book to read. I don't care about bells and whistles and flashing lights.

[xultar]

4. Duh! More and more people are deciding not to go out and hang

around with the black friday idiots. I'll wait and do shopping online. Not cuz I hate people but because people get on my effin nerves.

[PDittie]

5. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker said it for me

When Black Friday comes
I'm gonna dig myself a hole
Gonna lay down in it 'til
I satisfy my soul
Gonna let the world pass by me
The Archbishop's gonna sanctify me
And if he don't come across
I'm gonna let it roll
When Black Friday comes
I'm gonna stake my claim
I'll guess I'll change my name

[TheGunslinger]

6. HA! Good one!