FARM Black Friday's first trampling came at midnight from Clarksville, TN

[Fred]

I will never understand the urge that drives people to herd mentality over the thought of saving a couple of bucks on a piece of imported Chinese crap.

--------------------------------------

http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/200...larksville-tn/

Some Black Friday mayhem at the Toys R Us in Clarksville, TN

Toys R Us opened at midnight to get an early start on the Black Friday sales marathon. Being the only retail store open at that time of the night, they naturally drew quite a crowd. Over 300 people waited for their early opening by various accounts.

When the doors opened the crowd began a mass push for the door. This resulted in at least one person being trampled at the entrance to the store. The victim was taken by family members to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital on Fort Campbell for treatment of her injuries.

Six Clarksville PD units were dispatched, and according to the sister of one of the victims were needed to get the unruly crowd back under control.

There was no extra security on hand to help keep things in order. Something retailers expecting large crowds to turn out, should have learned as a result of the Wal-Mart trampling death from last year.

The Clarksville Police Department confirmed the incident, and reports that they took a simple assault report on the incident.

We contacted Toys R Us for comment, but as of the publication time they had not responded.

There were approximately 200 people standing in line at Best Buy, another 200 waiting to get in Old Navy at Governor’s Square Mall. Other mall area stores ranged from 6 to 20 people waiting in line. Electronics seemed to be the biggest draw, with clothing a close second. The earliest arrival time was at 3:30pm. But the average time for the first person to arrive at a location was about 7:30pm.

[Sligo]

To me, Black Friday is always a nice, quiet day of relaxation while I watch the sheep do exactly what they've been programmed to do. Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, I spent the day with my family, from my 77 year old Mom to my 18 month old grandson and most everyone in-between. We talked about how when things are difficult we, as a family, are a force to be reckoned with. This past year, as we faced illnesses, economic issues, unemployment, and relationship issues, we understood that through it all, the one constant we had was each other, and aren't we gifted with such a large family with enough shoulders to carry the burden? We all agreed that there is just no money for gifts this year, but we will gather together once again, as a family, and gift each other with a loud, noisy "trampling" of our own. We will admire my 3 year old granddaughter as she proudly shows off her pretty thrift store dress that makes her feel like a princess, and we will chase little laughing Jak around and around until we catch him and he screams the way only an 18 month old can scream. And we will watch the face of my Mom as she watches her great-grandchildren as she once watched her grandchildren, with such joy and love. And the trampling for gifts of Black Friday will enter no one's mind, because we already have every gift in the whole world gathered once again at Mom's house, and it will be noisy with laughter, and delight in one another, and we will have made it through yet another year as a Clan, still growing, still loving, still here. Black Friday trampling? Nah.

[Nanook]

The Chinese must think Americans are nuts for acting this way to save a few "dollars".

I know I do.

I told my wife if I ever make noises about going shopping the day after Thanksgiving, she'll know I've gone off the deep end.

I think I went once, before it became another religious holiday, and it was still insane even then. Never again.

[mistaken1]

How did that go? Stupid is as stupid does.

[Zulu Cowboy]

Why do people line up early on a cold Black Friday morning, to buy what they could have gotten for the same price (or better...) online, and paid no sales tax on?

Zulu Cowboy

[Bullwinkle]

I went today. I was up due to my bladder. OK. I will try to get the $200 laptop. The sale was to start at 5 AM. I arrived at 4:30 The lot was full and long lines waiting to check out. I got to the electronics section and only the more expensive units were left. I asked the clerk about it. They had 27 of the computers but allowed them to be sold as early as 5PM on thanksgiving.

More fraud by Walmart. The flier clearly showed the sale started at 5AM.
I hope the people that got those bargain units really needed them.

I think there will be better bargains as we get closet to Xmas.

Off to bed.

[Amazed]

Sligo, that was beautiful.


No Black Friday shopping going on in this house.

[BlueNewton]

Sligo, you are a very wise person.

I never understood the phenomenon, either. I have never participated and would rather have my toes cut off than ever do it.

[bethshaya]

What will make it worse this year is that all of the stores have announced that the deals in their flyers are "limited quanities", meaning that the 75% off TV's that they advertised, they only have 3 of them in stock for each store and no rainchecks. So there will be mad dashes to be the first few in the store to get them.

Talk about not learning your lessons from last year. "Hey, lets make it worse! Lets make it a real competition to see who can get in the store faster"

I don't even go to the malls or stores the rest of the year, why would I go on Black Friday. We purchase all things online, sometimes even our groceries. Other then that, the only stores I go in are grocery stores.

[Deena in GA]

Originally Posted by Sligo

To me, Black Friday is always a nice, quiet day of relaxation while I watch the sheep do exactly what they've been programmed to do. Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, I spent the day with my family, from my 77 year old Mom to my 18 month old grandson and most everyone in-between. We talked about how when things are difficult we, as a family, are a force to be reckoned with. This past year, as we faced illnesses, economic issues, unemployment, and relationship issues, we understood that through it all, the one constant we had was each other, and aren't we gifted with such a large family with enough shoulders to carry the burden? We all agreed that there is just no money for gifts this year, but we will gather together once again, as a family, and gift each other with a loud, noisy "trampling" of our own. We will admire my 3 year old granddaughter as she proudly shows off her pretty thrift store dress that makes her feel like a princess, and we will chase little laughing Jak around and around until we catch him and he screams the way only an 18 month old can scream. And we will watch the face of my Mom as she watches her great-grandchildren as she once watched her grandchildren, with such joy and love. And the trampling for gifts of Black Friday will enter no one's mind, because we already have every gift in the whole world gathered once again at Mom's house, and it will be noisy with laughter, and delight in one another, and we will have made it through yet another year as a Clan, still growing, still loving, still here. Black Friday trampling? Nah.

Beautifully put, Sligo! We had a very similar Thanksgiving and I am VERY thankful for it!

[Ravekid]

Here in Indy, the thugs were out early. A woman was interviewed by a local TV station around 5:30AM. She had been at an electronics store about one mile north of the mall she was at giving the interview. She said she noticed a car driving really slow with no headlights...that caught her attention. Sure enough, at least one of the two guys in the car got out and tried to yank her purse away from her. She resisted and they took off. Her purse strap was torn and she showed it to the camera. Watch for burglaries and robberies to take off over the next month, burglaries for sure. Also, don't put HDTV and computer boxes out with the trash. Either burn them or cut them up into pieces and put them in trash bags with the regular trash.

Cops had to be dispatched to two Toys-R-Us stores in Indy due to fights over some stupid $10 battery powered hamster toy. I guess people were doing the typical cutting in line and what not, so others behind them didn't take to kindly to that.

The wife and I will be going out after I get off work. We might go see a movie with other family, but we must go to an auto parts store because her car is acting up. I might venture out and buy some gift cards for family...depends on how busy it is.

[kozanne]

I will never understand the urge that drives people to herd mentality over the thought of saving a couple of bucks on a piece of imported Chinese crap.

Amen to that. I went shopping on Black Friday ONCE, that was enough for me.

[amarilla]

I took a friend who can't drive right now out at midnight. My second time ever to try Black Friday sales. Only time she could go without her kids (long story but trust me.) Anyway ToysRUs had a LONG line. Door was shut, they weren't letting people in. Best Buy had people in a line, even with tents waiting for the store to open. We didn't get into the TRU line since it wasn't moving, we weren't dressed for it, and she would have had to leave to nurse the baby (who we left at her house) before we ever got into the store. Even the Krispy Kreme donut place had a 1/2 hour line.

A

[Cag3db1rd]

dh has to work the service desk at wm today. i feel very sorry for him.

[denfoote]

Am I going anywhere today?

No, no, and no.

First, the Foote family already sent out Christmas gifts this year: See's candy, with the explanation that due to the uncertainty in the economy, they were all getting early presents.

We were wise to do so because, as expected, money is tight now.

Second, I don't like crowds. I'm not crazy about the fact that my car will be the target of a million mindless morons meandering at high speed around the malls!!

Third, with the increase in crime, exacerbated by the economy, I'm not interested in going through the hassle and paperwork of having to put a double tap into Mr Goblin Badguy with a knife!!!

I'm staying home!!

[Cheeryeeyore]

The last time I went Black Friday shopping was 5 years ago when my then obviously pregnant daughter was shoved so hard she nearly fell. I was a nervous wreck and gave some choice words to the pushee.

I don't ever want to see that side of people again...especially by choice!

[BlueNewton]

Black Friday sounds like a sure way to put a harsh, nasty, and abrupt end to a wonderful Thanksgiving. No, thanks.

[LeafyForest]

Originally Posted by kozanne

I went shopping on Black Friday ONCE, that was enough for me.

We went once also - not worth it. We got the paper on Thanksgiving and it had all the ads in it, not one thing was worth the effort. And if there was a bargain there were only 2 or 3 of each item anyway! This year we think we are only going to give the grandkids gifts and just enjoy the rest of the family and friends this holiday season, and I think they will be happy about that as well.

[FlyLadyFan]

Heck, I don't even go out with the masses on a regular old Saturday.
Being a SAHM rocks!

FLF

.

[Mr. Dot]

Heh, I listen to KFI radio out of LA and they have been reporting all morning that there were no reports of craziness this Black Friday. Finally couldn't stand it and called their news dept. and now they are leading with the big Clarksville Mahem story. Thanks Fred, intrepid reporter.

[vulcan]

Imagine the dread of the store employees that have to work on 'Black Friday'. I didn't have to work this morning but am going in later this evening. Hopefully all the crazies are gone by then and it will be quiet.

[brandyh29]

I don't do Black Friday, but I will be shopping Cyber Monday! We really wanted to try to get the $298 Dell laptop from Walmart but its not worth dealing with psychos so we didn't. Im sure they only had like 2 in stock at this price anyways. I didnt even get out of bed til almost 11 am this morning!

[pete47]

With all the hype, why would anyone venture out to stores on this day?
Everyone knows that the places will be crazy with sheeple lining up to spend whatever money they have left, in a fruitless attempt to "buy happiness".
If the economy continues on the course that is set, this "stuff" will be worthless.
I try to make it a point to avoid the post office and the malls from Thanksgiving till the end of the year. There are way too many sheeple out there.

[blueberry]

My daughter left out at 4am to hit some of the sales ..... crazy!!

[Les]

I never shop on black friday....but....

I woke a bit after 4 and couldn't go back to sleep. I remembered my wife admiring an armoir(sp) that was in one of the black friday ads. I snuck out of bed drove into town and bought it. She caught me when I returned so I told her what i did, but mentioned it was a wasted trip as they were all sold, now I gotta hide it...

Les

[Mr. Dot]

Originally Posted by Les

I never shop on black friday....but....

I woke a bit after 4 and couldn't go back to sleep. I remembered my wife admiring an armoir(sp) that was in one of the black friday ads. I snuck out of bed drove into town and bought it. She caught me when I returned so I told her what i did, but mentioned it was a wasted trip as they were all sold, now I gotta hide it...

Les

Evil.

[minkykat]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dot

Heh, I listen to KFI radio out of LA and they have been reporting all morning that there were no reports of craziness this Black Friday. Finally couldn't stand it and called their news dept. and now they are leading with the big Clarksville Mahem story. Thanks Fred, intrepid reporter.

KFI is all but worthless when it comes to news beyond their little, local scope.

[Mr. Dot]

Originally Posted by minkykat

KFI is all but worthless when it comes to news beyond their little, local scope.

Perhaps, but somewhat extraordinary for local news from what I understand. Eric Leonard comes to mind. Not to mention fire coverage.

They added mention of Clarksville within 15 minutes of my call and direction to the clarksville website so at least they are responsive. Gotta give them that.

I'm in Montana so it's all basically monkeys in the zoo to me.

[patb]

Originally Posted by FlyLadyFan

Heck, I don't even go out with the masses on a regular old Saturday.
.

Boy, do I ever agree with that. I have often said that the stores have absolutely nothing that I need so badly as to go out on Black Friday. My feelings about Saturday shopping is the same.

Patricia

[Red Baron]

Milwaukee radio reports that police have already been dispatched to disturbances at Wally World, TOYS-R-US and Best Buy.

Line jumpers, fights and crowd control.

[TECH32]

I can tell you first hand that you can save alot more than a "few bucks". I saved over $700 on two new computers by waiting on line last night (my old one was about to die and my son needs a laptop for school).

That ain't chump change....

[Kevmoley]

there is no need to go out to the stores to buy the electronics when Amazon and Newegg were selling online for the same price with free shipping this year

[Straycat]

The only places I go to on Black Friday are the hardware stores, the office supply stores, and maybe Joann Fabrics and / or the yarn shop. Not exactly the hot shopping spots. Plus this part of Montana doesn't seem to have many of the "pushing, screaming mob" people anyway.

[gunnersmom]

Originally Posted by TECH32

I can tell you first hand that you can save alot more than a "few bucks". I saved over $700 on two new computers by waiting on line last night (my old one was about to die and my son needs a laptop for school).

That ain't chump change....

tech, were you waiting ON line or IN line? I'm confused. Where did you buy your stuff, Best Buy?

[FREEBIRD]

Took a nap and spent the rest of the afternoon at the wildlife refuge, getting a treatment for my nature deficit disorder.

We NEVER do the Black Friday madness.

[TECH32]

Originally Posted by gunnersmom

tech, were you waiting ON line or IN line? I'm confused. Where did you buy your stuff, Best Buy?

I was IN line since 10PM last night. They gave out "tickets" for certain items at 5AM and opened the doors at 7AM. I went home for a bit after I got the "tickets" and came back later.

[Rescuedog]

Well I look at black Friday from a different perspective, I'm a retailer. I own a small shop in our town, on Main street. I carry beautful gifts, some handmade, very little imported. Black Friday is slow for me because everyone is at the malls and big box stores scooping up the sales.

RD

[WriterMom]

Well, I will admit that this is the first year in as long as I can remember that I did not go Black Friday shopping. I actually really enjoy it and have had great experiences. I've had fun meeting and talking to different people in line, and have really never had a problem with rude or pushy shoppers. In fact, people have been very friendly.

This year, there was nothing I really wanted in any of the BF ads, so I decided to forego the tradition. We are getting just a few presents for the kids, the main one being an iPod for each of them, which will consume the majority of my Christmas budget. So, no need to run out of the house at 3am. I did get to rent some movies on pay-per-view with hubby this morning and relax on the couch - maybe that will become my new Black Friday tradition! BTW, we watched Shorts and Four Christmasses, the latter of which I thought was hysterical, as is anything Vince Vaughn does.

Writermom

[KrazeenTX]

I did black friday once for a PeeCee at wal-mart...they had several in stock that year BUT...it stayed the SAME PRICE for the rest of the year....haven't done it since then.

[Garryowen]

For the first time in 40 years of marriage, we did it. We went out this morning before 6 a.m. Actually, I had to get up to P, and just stayed up.

We got to Kmart about 10 minutes before they opened, and the parking lot was almost full. A couple minutes before opening wifey said, let's go get in line. So we started walking toward the door, and, surprise, the line went all the way across the parking lot, almost to the highway. I said, "This has gotta be one of the dumbest things we have ever done." I think a lot of the men in line felt the same way.

Anyway, everyone was courteous, and well-behaved. I thought maybe we would get to see a fight, but nothing like that happened. Didn't even see anyone dressed like those pics that show up on my computer from time to time, claiming to be pics of shoppers at Walmart. We got our present, and were out of there in about 15 minutes. Checkout time was short also.

The funny thing about our going is that the gift isn't even for anyone we know. Are we dingy or what?

At least people aren't getting trampled everywhere. Maybe they didn't have the hamsters at this store.

regards,

Garryowen