Have you dragged the tinsel out of the attic yet? Halloween is just in the books and already Amazon and Walmart are offering holiday specials, because “Black Friday is not a day anymore – Black Friday is a season.”
That’s according to Mark LoCastro of DealNews, an online coupon site, as reported by the New York Post. Walmart’s chief merchandising officer, Duncan MacNaughton says we customers put away our costumes and “start prepping for Thanksgiving, buying Christmas trees and shopping for gifts.”
I remember a time that “prepping for Thanksgiving” had nothing to do with shopping for gifts or trees. It was more about making plans for family get-togethers and who would bring what dish to the big meal. Of course, my son could never attend at Thanksgiving, since he was a part of the Black Friday corporate world. Even before his store started opening on Thanksgiving Day, he had to be at work getting ready for the Friday sales.
Amazon began its online “Black Friday” deals on Saturday – before most of the pumpkins and cobwebs have been removed from the trick-or-treat neighborhoods. The special offers will continue through December 22, almost a full two-month campaign for Christmas business.
And don’t believe those stories about “Black Friday” being the day that businesses finally turn a profit, moving from the “red ink” in the ledger books to operating in “the black.” I traced the phrase through newspaper archives and found an early 1900s reference to the mad traffic and shopping mayhem associated with the day after Thanksgiving. “Black Friday” has always been a major jam-up and the phrase was used to describe it.
Our Rose District season starts early enough: the Thursday kickoff will feature a lot of special activities – including prizes – on the evening of November 13th.
You can use that evening to come see the changes on Main, if you haven’t yet visited the new Rose District. And – speaking of changes – you’ll be able to check the progress of the Andolini’s building next to In The Raw and Rooftop, as well as the major remodel project at the southeast corner of Dallas and Main.
There is a new look on the northside walk at Main Street Tavern, where an attractive black awning has been added. Those outside diners will appreciate the shade on sunny afternoons and evenings. (All those folks who repeatedly told me that people will not sit outside in Oklahoma, were just incorrect. It’s happening regularly.)
There were plenty of visitors outside for the Grilles and Grills festival, the Rose District car show and food event. We got to see some fantastic vehicles and a crowd of car-lovers. Dustin and Rachel worked the sidewalk, and – if you haven’t stopped in for lunch lately – are also working daily at lunchtime, making it a lot easier to serve our guests. And now, we’re serving on Saturdays as well!
Come by at lunchtime and let us serve you!
McHuston
Booksellers & Irish Bistro
Rose District
122 South Main St. Broken Arrow OK!