Black Friday 2011: Really 'Debt Friday'? 'People Going Too Far,' Says Pastor
Black Friday, America’s biggest day for consumer spending, has been known for its large discounts and crush of early morning shoppers. Some stores are pushing the envelope this year – opening their doors Thanksgiving Day – a step that many say is “going too far.”
Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Best Buy will be opening at midnight Thursday. And Walmart is welcoming shoppers even earlier, with a 10 p.m. start time.
Pastor David Wright, CEO of DOersTV, told The Christian Post that people, not the stores, are going too far – “especially Christians.”
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“Black Friday should be called ‘Debt’ Friday,” Wright stated. “Stores are in business and businesses exist to make a profit.”
“As Christian consumers we must control the stores and not let the stores and the spirit of this world control us,” he added.
CP talked to an Old Navy employee, who worked both the Thanksgiving and Black Friday shift last year.
“I thought nobody was going to be there on Thanksgiving, but there was a huge line,” she stated. “At one point the maximum capacity of the store was reached and the doors had to be closed.”
According to the employee, Old Navy met or beat their sales goal and that is why the store will be opening again this Thanksgiving.
“From a business stand point I understand, but from a personal standpoint Thanksgiving should be a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for and to be with your family,” she said.
However, she added, “For people who are really penny-pinching it works.”
One New York resident told CP that “Black Thursday” was disrespectful to employees.
She said, “I’m curious to see how consumers who go to the stores on Thanksgiving are going to feel about it after the fact. Was it really worth it?”
Pastor David Wright echoed these sentiments and suggested that Christians “focus on the reason and motives behind the buying and ask ourselves is God in this?”
“People don’t buy stuff because they need it, but because it’s so cheap – they want to get the deal,” said the Old Navy employee.
Stores opening on Thanksgiving say the early start time helps customers, who would rather stay up late to shop, avoid having to wake-up at 3 or 4 a.m.
Judy Hobbs Greenfield wrote on Facebook, “Yes Black Friday will start even earlier than ever!”
However, places like Sears and Nordstrom will not be open on Thanksgiving.
“We won’t be decking our halls until Friday, November 25. Why? Well, we just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving,” read signs displayed in Nordstrom stores.
Pastor David Wright also recommended that people “not participate” at all in Black Friday.
“Is it a sin to go shopping on Black Friday?” he asked. “Of course not. But it is a sin to go shopping on Black Friday because you think you’re supposed to.”
