Welcome to this month’s Coffee, Laughs, and Chats edition, Black Friday Elbow Throws and Coupon Codes. Today, we’re not just talking Black Friday shopping, we’re diving into traditions, chaos, drama, and those legendary doorbusters.
If you’ve ever braved the cold, stood in line before sunrise, or found yourself wrestling a shopping cart for a $10 toaster, you’re in good company. Nothing quite brings out the competitive spirit like Black Friday. Once the Turkey coma has faded, it’s game on! Let's face it, if you didn't lose a little dignity Black Friday shopping, did you really even shop? So, pour yourself a cup of steaming hot brew, make yourself comfy and brace yourself for plenty of laughs.
Meet Our Panelists
Thank you to my awesome panelists! Over the years they have thrived and survived Black Friday shopping. What began as a way to get more bang for the buck, quickly turned into annual traditions filled with laughter and memories.
Kathy is a retired mother of two, volunteers for several charities, and is a self- described deal hunter. She is always on the lookout for the best bargains. She thrives during Black Friday, skillfully navigating sales to maximize savings.
For Kathy, Black Friday started approximately thirty years ago out of necessity. With two little ones at home, and a tight budget, the only way to make holiday wishes come true was to brave the cold, dark morning and hunt for bargains. “At the time, it wasn’t about the thrill,” Kathy recalls, “it was about making sure there were gifts under the tree. A few years later, though, it was all about strategy and the ultimate conquest.” She laughed.
Candy is a wife, mother of two, guardian of one, co-owner of Lozano Welding and a "Doorbuster Enthusiast." Candy is eager to be first in line, embraces the excitement of early-morning Black Friday crowds and limited time offers.
Candy has been a Black Friday pro for over fifty years. Her training began when her mom dragged her out before dawn when she was 12. “I haven’t missed a year since,” she laughs. "But don’t ask me to shop on Thanksgiving. I think it’s terrible when stores open on Thanksgiving, those employees should be able to enjoy the holiday with their families too."
Pam is a wife, retired travel agent, and holiday shopping strategist. For about 35 years, Pam and her sister have shared a long-standing Black Friday shopping tradition. For them it’s never been about standing in long lines or battling the crowds (generally speaking, although there have been one or two exceptions), it’s been about the experience. Black Friday is their day. Typically, they wait until the initial rush fades, then stroll in to hunt for bargains for others and themselves. Their annual adventures usually wrap up late in the evening just before the stores close.
Jennifer is a wife, mother of three, a Mary Kay Cosmetics Distributor and is definitely savings savvy. Jennifer has a keen eye for discounts and definitely makes the most of Black Friday. She turns every purchase into a victory for her wallet.
Jennifer started Black Friday shopping about 25 years ago. Much like Kathy, she was driven by the need to stretch every dollar for her kids. Bargain hunting was a necessity, not a hobby; however, the hustle and bustle soon grew on her, and she fell in love with the thrill of finding that one great deal that would make her kid’s eyes light up, plus she likes to watch the "crazies."
Chaos, Comedy, and Cart Wars
If you’re new to the game, here’s the inside scoop; preparation is everything!
Chaos, Comedy, and Cart Wars
Back in the day, (Yes, I know, I cannot believe I used that phrase), Black Friday wasn’t a month-long marathon; it was a one-day, all-or-nothing showdown. You had only one shot to snag the deals, no do-overs, and absolutely no mercy. Thanksgiving night meant spreading out newspaper ads, like you were planning a secret CIA reconnaissance mission, circling deals, and mapping out a city-wide route. Achieving ultimate success demanded teamwork to cover more ground and hold the line. Black Friday stories from the trenches are legendary. Endless lines, weaponized carts, and the thrill of the hunt for the “must-have item.”
Kathy still laughs, well sort of, when she recalls the infamous Bubba Bear 1997 incident at KB Toys. The line stretched into the darkness, anticipation buzzing, and quantity limits forced tickets to be given to those seeking to purchase the coveted talking bear. Purchasers now had tickets in hand, yet, for some unknown reason, the store decided it would be a great idea to hide the aforementioned bears within the store. This ill-conceived idea prevented additional shopping, led those without tickets to grab the toy and, as you can imagine, chaos erupted. “The poor security guard, who looked to be about 75 and maybe weighed 100 pounds soaking wet, was desperately trying to prevent mob mentality,” Kathy grinned. “Once the doors opened and the mob rushed in, I’m pretty sure he retreated to his car and went to get coffee, although I’m not really quite sure, we never saw him again.
As for Candy, she freely admits she is the queen of impulse buys. She recalls the year she had three Christmas trees and two carts piled high with deals only to discover her purchases wouldn’t fit in the car. A frantic call to her aunt for backup cost precious shopping time. “I’m pretty sure my aunt was not as enthused as I was about my finds,” she laughed.
But not all memories are funny. Candy remembers one icy cold, freezing morning, standing in a long line at 3 a.m. when a car pulled up and dropped a woman near the front doors. The driver’s window was rolled down and everyone within earshot heard him say, “Just act handicapped, they’ll let you in.” You could feel the collective outrage ripple through the crowd. The gall! After hours of waiting in the cold, nobody was about to let that kind of behavior slide. I just watched, knowing full well the line was about to enforce a little hometown justice, and let’s just say, fairness prevailed.”
Jennifer still cringes at the memory of “Doorbusters” being placed on wooden pallets at Wal-Mart. “The store would cover the pallets so you couldn’t see the items. "So stupid!" The crowd just pulled off the paper and then swarmed around their pallet of choice. It was crazy. People were so aggressive over cheap movies. “Personally, I never took it too seriously. Sure, the deals were fun, but certainly not worth losing limb or life. I learned early on there wasn’t anything I had to have that badly. Most of the time I just watched the show.”
Pam avoided the "early bird" chaos by sticking to calmer shopping times. Black Friday shopping is a tradition for Pam and her sister. They arrive after the opening rush is over and just enjoy the day shopping, dining and walking around. “We never really ended up in the chaotic parts of Black Friday,” Pam shares, "we prefer a more relaxed approach of just being out, catching a few bargains and taking it all in. We still do.”
The Hunt and the Haul-The Ghost of "Hot Toys" Past
Every Christmas season brings a new “it” item. Failing to secure the “Mom, it’s the only thing I want” item was the ultimate in defeat. Do you remember the hysteria over these “hard to get” toys. Cabbage Patch Dolls®, Power Rangers®, Pokémon®, Furby®, Nintendo64®, PlayStation®, Tickle Me Elmo®, Ninja Turtles®, Powerpuff Girls®, Beanie Babies®, and more. The thrill wasn’t just in the bargain, it was in the chase, the camaraderie, and the stories you would share later. Believe it or not, none of our panelists ever threw elbows (at least, not seriously), but they did have front-row seats to plenty of Black Friday evening news highlights.
Unless you’ve worked retail or customer service, you cannot truly understand the daily abuse some are forced to endure; Black Friday only doubles the stress. Please show some respect
Behind the Counter-Working Retail on Black Friday
Although most of our discussion focused on memories from the shopping side, we did discover a unique twist to our conversation; everyone on the panel had worked retail on Black Friday at one time or another.
Jennifer is still haunted by and shudders at the memory of folding endless sweaters at Kohl’s. Pam just shook her head about the time she survived the mall kiosk chaos, “Never again,” she joked. Kathy remembers one particular irate bookstore customer who was adamant and belligerent that she had placed a special order with the store and upset about it not being at the store. Turns out she had ordered it at the other bookstore in the mall. Was she sorry, no. Did she apologize, no. Did she huff out of the store like she was the one insulted, yes. However, the most unique Black Friday retail story came from Candy. We were all in disbelief, a little shocked and couldn't hold back the hysterics when she shared her experience of having to ask an amorous couple to leave the JC Penney dressing room. “That certainly wasn’t something I encountered every day. Seriously, I couldn't believe it. I just told them they had to go, NOW!” Candy's facial expression told us all we needed to know and needless to say, we were rolling by the end of that story.
I then asked them if they had a catch phrase for when their patience ran thin?
Jennifer: “I don’t care, I’m not folding another sweater,”
Pam: “No, we don’t have rainchecks”, she said wearily.
Kathy: “I just sigh and say peachy, just peachy,”
Candy: “I watched the clock and eagerly announced with force, Okay folks, we’re closing, time to leave, now’”.
On a side note, these phrases may give us some insight as to why this panel did not make a lifelong career in retail.
Having the experience of working the retail side of Black Friday, our panel did share some tips for respecting retail workers:
- Be kind
- Don’t throw clothes all over the place
- Make your kids behave (don’t let them run wild unsupervised)
- Expect massive crowds
- Understand that sold out items are gone, no rainchecks (that’s why they call them doorbusters)
- Use some common sense and cut retail workers some slack. Remember, a little patience (and maybe a smile) goes a long way.
Black Friday Theme Songs and Customer Service Phrases
Just for fun I thought it would be interesting for the panel to pick a Black Friday theme song? They narrowed it down to four, I’m a Smooth Criminal, The Final Countdown, Eye of the Tiger, or Who Let the Dogs Out.
In-Store vs Online Shopping
As we discussed earlier, Black Friday shopping has changed. While many still choose the excitement of crowds, deals and yes, drama (the place where stories emerge); others opt for the comfort of computer shopping, coupon codes and free shipping enticements. So, whether you’re braving live crowds or clicking “add to cart” you’re part of an era that continues to evolve.
In-Store vs Online Shopping
Kathy occasionally ventures out later in the day on Black Friday but is over waiting in line for hours for doors to open. She prefers to do most of her shopping online these days. With a click of a mouse, her presents are purchased and she's ready to move forward with decorating and baking.
Candy likes all of it! In-store, online, Black Friday and all month long. (Who is she kidding, we know she shops all year.)
Jennifer likes the hustle and bustle of Black Friday, but for the past few years has opted to give experiences instead of gifts. Her kids love tickets to concerts, sports events, and get-a-way trips. She always includes an extra ticket or reservation for herself to go with them. These Experience Gifts are more than just presents, they are an opportunity to spend time with each of her kids and make more memories.
Pam loathes online shopping. For Pam and her sister, Black Friday this year will be the same as the past 35 years. They will be enjoying their annual Black Friday day out filled with shopping, a few bargains, dining out, and making treasured memories.
For Black Friday Shopping Tips Online, In-Store and Hot Items 2025, click the arrow to the right to read more!
Final Thoughts
This chat was so much fun. Black Friday is more than just shopping, it’s about strategy, family traditions, funny mishaps, and sometimes a little drama. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie just out for fun, everyone has a tale to tell. So, what’s your Black Friday story? Share with us. Do you love the hustle and bustle of crowds, or have you opted to shop online in your jammies? Either way, deals are deals and you too are now part of a growing tradition, Black Friday, Elbow Throws and Coupon Codes. Embrace it!
My goal for Coffee, Laughs and Chats is simply to tap into your memories, and experiences. I want you to use your imagination, not as a reader but as someone who is joining us, part of the discussion and part of the laughter.
From the editor's desk (coffee stains are a given).
First and foremost, I want to thank my hilarious, and gracious panel, Kathy, Candy, Pam and Jennifer for joining me for Black Friday Elbow Throws and Coupon Codes. We had so much fun!
I also want to thank McAlister’s Deli on Green River Road for hosting our rowdy group!
Most important though, I want to say thank you to all of you for joining in the fun with us. If you would like to participate in one of our future panel discussions, please contact me. Until next time, Sip, Laugh, Repeat!
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