Black Friday.  A phrase that came to fruition in the 1960's to mark the start of the holiday shopping season as it helped retailers and their ledgers to move from red to black.  The retailers realized that the day after Thanksgiving was the perfect day to offer deep discounts and sales to their customers as that is a day that they have off.  And the customers loved it!  They could do most of their holiday shopping without having to wait for the weekend to arrive and save money as well.  The retailers loved it because even though they slashed prices almost 50%, they gained many more customers leading to more profits.  Win win, right?  

Well, maybe it became too much for a good thing.  With the economy lagging and customers looking to save as much as they can, retailers began to look for ways to edge out their competitors.  The fight for the consumer dollar had retailers starting to open their doors even earlier.  So much so that suddenly Black Friday creeped into Thanksgiving day!  Why wait until Friday, retailer began to ask.  Start getting the bargains right after Thanksgiving dinner.  Who needs dessert when that giant screen TV can be wheeled out in your shopping cart? How about that Xbox that your kids have been begging you for all year long?  Thanksgiving dinner can be cut short for that, right?  So what's the big deal?  

Here is big deal, or at least a small portion of it.  There has been a bit of a back lash toward Black Friday.  Or at least the Black Friday that has encroached on Thanksgiving.   Yes, some stores will be open Thanksgiving day, but while you are enjoying your meal with family and friends, the people who work at the stores will be behind their registers or in the stock room, waiting for you to arrive.  This has made some people upset over the fact that the workers at some of these stores will not get the chance to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday like everyone else.  Boycotts have been called for, and petitions are being signed. Some retailers have listed to their customers and made the decision to  wait until Friday as they have always done in the years pass.

So where do you stand on the issue?  As a consumer, I appreciate a great deal as much as the next person.  However, I do feel bad for the people who have to work on a day that we are meant to give thanks for all we have and to share that good fortune with family and friends.  I guess that is why I like being a direct seller.  I have the advantage of offering Black Friday deals to my customers and am able to do so from the comfort of my own home.  My customers in turn can take advantage of these great deals from their homes and more importantly, in their own time.  Thanksgiving can still be enjoyed by all concerned. 

I guess what I am trying to say is, whatever you decide to do, please keep direct sellers on your shopping list.  They are small business owners and while they not have a brick and mortar store, they depend on your business as much as the retail chains do.  Moreover,  they have something that those big box stores will never have.  One on one attention and familiarity to your personal needs.  It would be like having a personal shopper with you at all times.  

If you do not have a direct seller as of yet, here are a few that you should look into.  One name may already be familiar to you.  Hint, hint - wink, wink! :)   LOL

Avon: 
Tracey Fisher
www.youarvon.com/traceyfisher

Tastefully Simple: 
Tracey Fisher 
www.tastefullysimple/web/tfisher4

Thirty One: 
Kathy Aul
www.mythirtyone.com/422525

Mary Kay: 
Michele M Ray
www.marykay.com/mray2

Initials Inc:
Mary Jean Eraci
www.myinitials-inc.com/MJE

                                           Happy Thanksgiving! 

 Fashion will also change.  Light weight clothes will go into storage. Long sleeves, sweaters and long pants will once more reign supreme.  What to wear will not only have to be fashionable but must also be able to keep you warm and cozy.