Long Live Black Friday
Capitalism is doing just fine — it's just packaged differently.
Online Black Friday spending was up 2.3% from a year ago, to $9.12 billion, according to Adobe Analytics.
Inflation, I figure, factors into some of that increase, but it’s still a testament to our insatiable desire to consume that — in spite of all that ails us economically as a nation — we can still scrounge up enough change to buy coffee makers we’ll barely use and movies we’ll barely watch (that’s a self call out).
Cynicism aside, I’ve always had a fondness for Black Friday. I blame my mother and Nintendo; my most visceral memory of the “holiday” is unsuccessfully trying to secure a Gamecube and, later, successfully acquiring a Wii on her dime. For several years following those console launches, I braved the crowds at Walmart, Best Buy and Toys R Us (RIP) for the best deals I could find, sometimes alone but often with dear friends. Those shopping trips were as much communal as they were capitalistic; Black Friday was just a good excuse to hang out with buddies following a day of binge eating with the family.
Shopping as a teenager and young adult is a lot different than shopping as a 32-year-old. There’s a lot less goofing off but a lot more mindless banter; I’m a big podcast and YouTube guy, so conversations about basketball, video games and science are my most frequent company during shopping trips these days. I didn’t anticipate being so into the 21st century version of “talk radio,” but I’ve been told more than once that I have an old soul, so I suppose it tracks.
The statistic in the opening sentence accounts for a sizable increase in online spending. Other than a quick pit stop at Mirror Twin Brewing (cheap, delicious beer!), every Black Friday purchase I made was performed through a screen. Most were made through Amazon, but Target had a great deal on a few Blu-rays that I’ll probably never watch, and I had to have ‘em. A couple clicks later and my store pick-up was good to go.
I ventured to the store a few days later – hoping to avoid any crowds – and did some regular shopping before grabbing my advance order. With Tony Kornheiser in my ears, I approached the self-checkout lane and observed a lengthy but not obscenely long line for online-order pickups. Hurriedly, I scanned my goods – mostly bathroom essentials – and claimed my place ahead of the trough. Eight spots and 20 minutes in line later, I had my copies of THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME and TURNING RED.
A lot’s changed about Black Friday, but unnecessary waits for unnecessary goods remain. I kinda dig that.
Go Go Power Rangers
The last 10 days within the Power Rangers community have been wrought with emotion. Weeks worth of newsletters could be filled with the terrific tributes that have been made in honor of the late Jason David Frank.
The video below isn’t one of those, but it was nonetheless heartwarming. Shared to a YouTube channel, counter656, this stop-motion video uses various action figures – mostly Power Rangers, but not all – to re-enact the first version of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme. I can’t believe it only has 19,273 views at the time of writing; it’s so freakin’ good!
Give it a watch.
Etc.
I covered a terrific high-school football state semifinal last Friday for the Lexington Herald-Leader. Bullitt East rallied to defeat Bryan Station, 55-41, to make its first state championship game since 2008.
I’ll be back on the saddle for the LHL once more this weekend. Written coverage of the Class A, Class 2A, Class 3A and Class 6A finals will be delivered by yours truly. This time of year is the best, and I’m so grateful to continue having the opportunity to help.
Y’all be good.