Could the day after Thanksgiving be more bleak than black?
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Every year on Black Friday, stores extend their hours and offer ‘door-buster’ specials on merchandise from TVs to apparel.
But amid a continued economic crisis — and after weeks of heavy markdowns and ‘early Black Friday’ deals — consumers might opt to sleep in Friday rather than wait in line to shop.
A disappointing Black Friday would be a major blow to retailers that are counting on holiday sales to pull them out of a months-long sales slump. Analysts are predicting a spate of retail bankruptcy filings in January.
‘Black Friday is everything to retailers,’ said Britt Beemer, chairman of consumer behavior firm America’s Research Group. This year, ‘the entire future’s on the line.’
Tell us: Do you plan to shop on Black Friday this year?
—Andrea Chang
