On Black Friday morning—5:20 a.m. to be exact—my wife and I shuffled our feet along the masking-taped line like movie extras in “Shaun of the Dead.” It’s no fun maneuvering the crowd when you’re vertically challenged, especially when you haven’t had your morning coffee and your eyelids are semi-pasted shut.
My wife tried to get a Circuit City employee to assist us. “Sir, is this computer still available?” she asked, waving a newspaper flyer his way. Before he could answer, someone else diverted his attention, leaving us standing there, not knowing how this would pan out, like two insignificant bodies being led to the slaughter, moving forward inch by agonizing inch. A majority of the customers in line had vouchers, which were handed out prior to the stores advertised hours. We were the less fortunate, hoping for a miracle—a computer bundle with $430 in savings. There were at least 7 per store.
The young couple in front of us, a brother and sister, both beyond 6 feet tall, told us they waited outside since midnight. Not feeling well, he stepped out of line. “I’m gonna take a nap in the car,” he told her. “Give me a ring when it’s my turn.”
Twenty minutes later, a Circuit City employee appeared, handing out laptop carrying cases to anyone lucky enough to have a laptop voucher. The sister took two. Then a short silver bird of lady swooped down—don’t ask me where she came from—and challenged the young lady in front of us. “You can’t buy two laptops.”
“I know.”
“It’s one per customer.”
“I know.”
“Well then, why do you have two of those?” The old lady pointed toward the carrying cases. The young lady turned away, ignoring her. “She can’t get two. It’s one per customer.” Everyone kept quiet. “It’s one per customer,” she repeated, proud of her detective work. I should’ve said something to save her from embarrassment. “They can’t give her two. It’s not fair.”
Then it happened. “I’m not buying two. The other one’s my brother’s. Is that okay with you?”
Unfazed, the old lady went elsewhere to stir up trouble. As for us, we were able to make our purchase without incident.
14 comments:
You survived!!!
Damned right I did! I stayed near my wife and let her take charge.
Jim, Congrats on the "Black" Friday shopping day experience. Yo made it through on congrats on your new computer. You can continue to write more and provide more photos to your blog. --Bro, Ron
Jim,
You're a braver one than I am. I purchased a new dress yesterday, but as they say, big whoop. It's hardly the coup of a computer! Congrats!
I got a new pair of pants.
Great find, and the patience to stay in line. MW
I'm suprised that they still had the computer that you wanted in stock with all those people there. And just think, you didn't even have to wait in a line from midnight until . . . like those other ones did. Good Job!
Hi jr...thank you so much for dropping by my blog and leaving a comment:-) I had heard that the busiest shopping day in the States was the day after Thanksgiving...here in Canada it's Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. I don't go out that day, I value my life too much! lol Glad you managed to get what you had gone out for...gotta watch some of them little old ladies, they can never mind their own business at times!! lol Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!
JR, in Canada Circuit City is called Future Shop and I was there today trying to get my hands on a Nintendo Wii. If you happen to run across one, please pick it up for me.
Merci beaucoups...!
Josie
Hey, I'll have a new Sony PS3 while you're at it!!!!!
You were one of the lucky ones!
I had a few friends come back from Best Buy empty handed, but not from lack of effort.
I bought a cd on Black Friday. They were playing the music live in the mall. That's how you attract attention. I didn't buy a cd from the other stall, because they were playing it pre-recorded.
I bought a CD of the Red Hot Chili Peppers....
So, are you ready for Christmas and got all of your shopping done? Looks like you brought home a truck load.
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