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SU Whitman School Professor: You can Still Grab Deals after Black Friday

Whitman School of Management website.

Diehard Black Friday Shoppers might be trained to think the best deals are only to be found on Black Friday but, a Professor of Retail Practice at Syracuse University’s Whitman School says that’s changed.

“If you are prepared to hang out, there are certain stores that will do tremendous deals just for Black Friday but, it’s unlikely they’re not going to do other deals as they move towards Christmas.  So, to think this is the only time you can get something, I really don’t think that’s actually true.  I think a lot people actually enjoy the thrill (chuckle) of the Black Friday shop.  Others of us loathe it and would never go near it.  It depends on, I guess, your level of how you like to shop, what you like to do.”

Amanda Nicholson feels people already got a jump-start on their holiday shopping online, before the stores even open at the malls.

"I don’t think Black Friday per se is as big as it used to be.  It’s still a huge shopping day.  But, I think part of it is a little different from what we think of Black Friday, normally. So, a lot of people actually are shopping home, online, as they can also do on Black Thursday where some stores are open, as well."

Credit Whitman School of Management website.
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Whitman School of Management website.
Whitman School Professor of Retail Practice and Assistant Dean, Amanda Nicholson.

Nicholson predicts that sales for holiday shopping will increase about 3 ½ as online sales continue to rise; however, don’t think retail stores are taking a hit.  She says the reality is online stores are operated by the same stores at the malls.  Popular gifts to place under the tree this year are dominated by electronics.

“Play Station 4 and X box 1 seems to be the big sellers.  I think also tablets are growing more popular every year. Laptops, again, still a contender; even though tablets are actually sort of outpacing them in popularity.  Smart phones, huge.  Headphones, digital cameras.  Then we’ve got toys... and still Star Wars and various other classics are leading on that.”

It’s also Plaid Friday, a move to get people to shop local.  
Chris Fowler of Syracuse First says it’s the laid back option.

“Instead of getting caught up in the craziness of Black Friday. Slow down, visit locally-owned businesses and plaid because it really is a good, articulation of a fabric of a community, of the texture of the different layers that make up a healthy economy and a healthy community.”

Most malls in the Syracuse area opened last night.  Destiny USA is opened at 8 PM on Thanksgiving night and will stay open thru 9:30 PM on Black Friday.  That’s 25 ½ hours straight! 
 

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.