Why do people think Black Friday is an excuse to be rude? ~ 2010

[hellokittygirl]

I was at Wal-Mart this morning (10 AM) and had a few groceries and a shower curtain (I'm so exciting, aren't I?!) and was waiting in line to check-out. I was third in line. The people in front had some kind of electronic item, and the cashier was trying to scan it and was having a hard time locating the barcode, had to type it in, and couldn't get the right price to come up on the register- or something like that, from what I gathered.

The customers buying the item were waiting patiently, but the people behind them in line (a mother and daughter) were getting antsy. The mom kept sighing exasperatingly and finally she turned to her daughter and said "Ugh, c'mon, let's get in another line, this lady doesn't know what she's doing." So they moved to the line that was one register to the right, and the lady (in a derogatory tone) proceeded to explain to the new cashier that the other cashier didn't know what she was doing and couldn't get the register to work and was taking way too long- and clearly I and the cashier having trouble with the electronic item are standing just several feet away while this lady is having a fit and complaining. The poor cashier having trouble was trying her hardest and she eventually got the transaction right about a minute later, and everything was fine- but I felt really upset FOR her that she had to stand there and keep quiet while that other lady went on and basically complained to another employee right in front of her. (In the end, the whole thing with the cashier and the register was NOT a big deal- it maybe delayed me a couple of minutes, but was no reason to get so huffy.)

When it was my turn to check-out I was talking to the cashier and found out she'd been there since 1:30 AM. I made it a point to be friendly, chatted with her, and told her thank you for working that day, etc. She was a nice lady and very kind and had done nothing wrong, and I could tell she was exhausted. It just made me feel so disappointed in our society. I know this may not be a big deal but seriously, these workers are doing their best, and it's not easy, and they deserve to be treated like human beings. I realize that way worse things happen in stores on other normal shopping days too, but today I witnessed a lot of rude comments about employees, shoving, being aggressive, etc. in the different stores I went to. (I went to look around at the mall, Old Navy, Dillards, JCP, and Walmart.)

I know I'm preaching to the choir here but can we all just be kind to one another? A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Did anybody else witness stuff like this?

[Macaela25]

I don't go out on Black Friday, but I think people should keep in mind that many of these people gave up all or part of THEIR holiday so that they can get their deals.

It already sucks enough to have to work when your family is all at home, KWIM?

[faeryedark]

I'm happy to report, that all went well today. People were friendly and curteous.
My DS and I prayed last night for people to be safe today and to be kind to one another and also for our own patience.

[Smee]

Yeah, I don't get people who go out on Black Friday and expect everything to run smoothly and quickly and get annoyed when it doesn't. It's great if it does, but I think it's unreasonable to have that expectation.

[TheyCallMeMom]

I dont go out on BF.

Its stories like this one
UPDATE: Marine injured in stabbing at Best Buy

and this one
Crazed shoppers pile up at Target | WIVB.com

nothing at those stores is worth it for me to put up with that type of behavior.

I am sure now and then you get a rude person. Happens on normal shopping days I am sure.. But I dont think being trampled or stabbed is a risk thats common with shopping. except on days like today.

[3timesoccermom]

The poor cashier - you know every second she was working on that transaction and all those eyes were on her that each second seemed like a minute. I'm sure a lot of the employees are happy to have a customer like you come through.

I also do not go out on BF. I tried it once years ago and could not believe the way people acted over merchandise.

[TheyCallMeMom]

My mom works at GAP outlet.. I say a prayer for every year before she goes to work.

[CW&M Mom]

We got a blue ray at Walmart this morning..and it wouldn't scan either. She tried mutliple UPC's on the box (and paperwork attached to the box) till she could find the right one.

Lucky for us...we saw no one being rude and we were there all night. In fact I was grabbing a printer for my sister...and another customer and I had a little agreement...on how we would pull them off at 5 am so that they wouldn't come toppling down (it was a tall stack). She grabbed one for her, then grabbed one for me...handed it to me....and then grabbed another one (different kind) on that one below.

It worked flawlessly. I actually really liked how walmart had it set up this year. Basically kept the electronic and everything else on sale separate so that...those not wanting electronics could go at midnight grab there stuff and go. They had things on the crates...and used rope to tie off area's...so there was less congestion....and repeatedly asked us to stay in lines...and be patient.

Then the 5 am stuff...the stuff that was really wanted (laptops and some of the tv's)...you got a ticket. Without the ticket you couldn't get the item and only one item per ticket. One ticket per person.

The not as wanted stuff...we just hung out...sitting in lawn chairs or on the floor until it was nearly 5 am. Since the glut of the people that wanted "everything else" came and were gone...it was much less chaotic for everyone.

[tinkinpink84]

Im afraid of the crazies. I might try and save up money for next year and attempt to venture out! Not sure yet. I would make sure i had a sitter for my kids if my husband wasnt here. I would not bring them out plus with all the waiting. Wish i had the money this year for the $4 pjamas. But ah people are mean and rude. Wouldnt suprise me in this area either! my mom works at walmart. she had to be at work at 4am this morning! Dunno how her day went yet lol. hopefully not too bad.

[ATLmom]

Don't do BF. I did order a stereo online for the in-laws but that was it. It's just not worth it.