Gordon Forgey

It was the day after Thanksgiving a number of years ago. My son wanted to outfit his new college apartment. After a long icy drive, our Black Friday expedition started with us standing in line about a quarter of a mile from the store doors. It was still dark, and the wind, rain and sleet had everybody bundled up. Like horses, we all had our backs to the weather.

Some of those standing in line optimistically recounted their plans to get items they wanted. One even had a hand-drawn map of the store layout showing her route from item to item.

Eventually, the line started to move forward slowly. Anticipation grew. At the front of the store, cattle chutes squeezed the line to single file. It was controlled and calm. No crushed patrons this time.

Then, it changed once inside the store. Shoppers were rushing about, yelling to one another and pushing others out of their way. Shopping carts were used as battering rams to make a path.

We finally made it to the small appliance section. My son reached for the last $3.99 toaster on the shelf. He said his fingers actually touched the box. Suddenly, it was gone. A woman had snatched it away from him. He said she clutched the box tightly and cackled in triumph.

We were jostled over to another section for things he wanted. All gone!

We went to another store. Even though he found the items he wanted, a slow moving single line for the checkout counters wrapped around the inside of the store. We left and went to yet another store. The $139.95 item on sale for $19.95 was in stock. Great! All it required was a full price purchase and filling out forms for a mail-in rebate.

Enough!

It was only 6:45 a.m. We gave up fighting the crowds and went for breakfast.

The hostess greeted us. She looked us over. We were soaked, bedraggled and maybe a little disoriented.

“You boys must have been shopping,” she said.

One would think there is a better way. And, sure enough, there is.

It is called shopping locally. The day after Black Friday is even dedicated to it. It is called Small Business Saturday.

This annual Saturday event is a reminder to shop small, independent, local stores.

Local merchants support community activities and projects. They provide local employment. They support schools and public services.

Everything cannot be purchased from small independent merchants, but a great deal can be. In fact, independents often have merchandise that cannot be found at large box stores. The staff may even welcome you, give you a smile and offer assistance.

It truly is a better way, and there are no cattle chutes.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher