NEW YORK – A Wal-Mart worker was killed Friday when "out-of-control" shoppers desperate for bargains broke down the doors at a 5 a.m. sale. Other workers were trampled as they tried to rescue the man, and customers shouted angrily and kept shopping when store officials said they were closing because of the death, police and witnesses said. At least four other people, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, were taken to hospitals for observation or minor injuries, and the store in Valley Stream on Long Island closed for several hours before reopening.But they re-opened - which is the important part. I'm guessing that the shoppers who were kicked out during the death investigation were really pissed.
In California, two people were killed in a shooting at a Toys 'R' Us in Palm Desert, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The shooting occurred about 11:36 a.m. (2:36 p.m. ET), authorities said. Police did not release the victims' ages or gender.
From coast to coast, anxious and stupid consumers decided that killing someone in the name of a holiday bargain was worth it. People lack the ability to step back and look at themselves. If they could, they would see the nonsense they create in the name of ... something. I don't know what, exactly. A cheap computer, video game or big-screen television is somehow worth the 4 hours of lost sleep and [no kidding] the lost life and shooting of another person because somebody might get at a discounted product before them. And it isn't just this year. These stories are repeated year after year.
It's part of the Bible, I think. Let no one have any cheaper gifts before thee. Something like that.
So, go ahead and teach your kids all about Christmas and what you think it means. What it really means is something much more gruesome. Even if there is no loss of life, the loss of self-respect over standing on line before sunrise to get a video game is no less resentful than shooting someone or trampling a door-opener.
Either way, you have to look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself a question. The trouble is that retailers know that they can prey on consumers who cannot control themselves.
All in the name of retail sales. Any industry that is so weak that it depends on the next 30 days for a large percentage of its profits is a weak industry.
Almost as weak as the people they prey on.
7 comments:
Note to KimmyK: This bizzare desire to knock down the doors to get into wal-mart and buy a tv on sale is something we don't do up here. Shopping stampedes aren't a Canadian thing.
Note to Firestarter5: I don't think I like your attitude anymore. *crinkles nose*
Anthony, when Abs and I were out shopping yesterday morning we were standing behind these ladies at Bath and Body Works and the deal yesterday was if you spent $45 they gave you a coupon for $10 dollars off plus you could use the $10 dollar gift card that was sent to you in the mail off your purchase, PLUS!! you got this "great bag full of shit" for $15...ya still with me? Anyways, the line was out the door and Ab and I listened to these 3 women (who happened to be all dressed the same-black velour track outfits) talking about how they'd buy the shit they had, use the coupons, get the "great bag full of shit" and then come back after black Friday and exchange the shit they purchased for full price merchandise throughout the store and how they'd make off like bandits. I was floored at that kind of thinking. Who thinks like that? The world is crazy...and I swear the bus stopped at Easton Mall yesterday and they let the crazies out. Abbie and I said screw it, walked out of Bath and Body Works went and got lunch at Noodles & Co. and went home. I don't think I'm *doing* Christmas this year....at least not gifts. We talked it over (that would be Abbie and I-over a bowl of macaroni and cheese) that we're gonna do Christmas 'old school' this year. I'm excited.
FS5: You're right - those Black Friday mob scenes are strictly an American phenomenon. Sad.
Kimmy: I think those women in line might be in for a rude awakening if they try to return the Bag 'o Crap. There might be some fine print regarding refunds and exchanges. Just thinkin.
Congrats on your Xmas decision. I bet it will be the best ever.
By the way, that $10 gift card giveaway is a pretty schrewd marketing gimmick. Eddie Bauer does it too.
They know there's nothing in the store you can buy for $10, so the card gets you back through the door to spend more money.
We're such suckers.
I use to love shopping at Eddie Bauer. Of course that was before I had kids and I only had myself to spoil/spend money on.
When I'd get their winter catalog I'd spend hours looking through all the winter sweaters.
...Such a girl.
Any industry that is so weak that it depends on the next 30 days for a large percentage of its profits is a weak industry.
Almost as weak as the people they prey on.
Exactly.
In a couple of the stories I read that a Walmart spokesman called what happened a tragedy. While I hate to be this cynical, I tend to think the only part that Walmart's corporate management saw as tragic was that a store had to close for five or six hours on their most prized shopping day.
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