Is Black Friday Shopping Worth It?

It’s Black Friday, and you may be reading this article while waiting in line at your favorite store. Stores across the Antelope Valley are filled with eager customers wanting to buy all the products that will be on sale. And many of today’s shoppers were waiting for today’s deals before the store even opened, hoping they could get in and out quickly with some of the best deals.

The anticipation and excitement can be dangerous. Fights can break out during Black Friday, especially if there’s a limited supply of popular items, and some can even lead to serious injuries or death. This can be an especially big problem when the store first opens, and the building goes from empty to suddenly being filled with hundreds of people. Customers have even been trampled!

Since 2006, there have been 12 deaths and 117 injuries reported during Black Friday shopping. These deaths and injuries range from being trampled and beat, to being shot and stabbed. Was that enough to keep Eastside students home today?

Not for many students.

“Black Friday is still worth it in my opinion,” says junior Nataly Gonzalez. “You have the chance to get the things that you want, but at a reduced price. People just need to be more cautious of others and not fight for the last item.”

Sophomore Logan Verdugo agrees. “Black Friday is probably my favorite,” he says. “I like to go shopping for things that are on sale. Even though there are some dangers, it is worth the risk and worth getting the things you want.”

Of the 50 Eastside students surveyed, 28% said that they went shopping today.