Black Friday, an American tradition, began almost 84 years ago. For those who live under a rock, this occurs on the fourth Friday in November (the day after Thanksgiving).

States such as California have gone so far as to recognize it as a state holiday. Over the years, shopping on Black Friday has become an American ritual that people of all ages condemn or eagerly look forward to.

Major retailers open early and offer great promotional sales. Black Friday marks the start of the Christmas shopping season, notorious for colossal sales and dangerous stampedes. The event has typically recorded the highest single day of revenue for retailers. Last year, however, Black Friday sales dropped twelve percent across the country.

Although it is commonly known for its tremendous deals and unforgettable shopping experiences,  Walsh Jesuit senior Sam Miller commented, “Black Friday takes away from Thanksgiving and the whole idea of being thankful during the holidays.” He added, “This day isn’t what it’s cracked up to be; the stores are trying to make money.”

Sophomore Matt Volpe disagrees, “Black Friday is about the experience, not the deals. If you are looking for a deal, you have to be camped out days in advance.” Stores such as Walmart and Target have already released their preview ads with huge doorbusters listed on the front page.

Sophia Atienza, a senior, offered another negative view. “The deals they offer are never as good as they seem, and shoppers just get pulled into the mentality that they are saving money.” Senior Mary Figler has firsthand Black Friday shopping experience. She commented on her experience, “I’m not into the whole Black Friday experience. The people are always intense and they scare me.” When asked where she would prefer to shop on Black Friday, she responded, “ If I had to, I would fly to the Nike store in New York City because anything Nike that is not full-priced is worth buying.”

In fact, there are incredible deals out there, but only a few of them. Many times stores such as Walmart or Best Buy offer great savings on TV’s, but they only have five in stock. So plan on camping out a few days before or be prepared to forfeit the tempting doorbusters.

A good deal on Black Friday may be hard to find but is doable if well researched. Junior Grace Ruane, an avid Black Friday shopper, exclaimed, “Black Friday is one of the best made up American holidays!” She continued, “Black Friday is all about the experience. The people you see there make the late night shopping worth it. I haven’t ever bought a huge item, but I’ve found lots of good deals.”

Black Friday, still a trending American tradition, offers savings that may seem overrated, but nonetheless it can provide a once in a lifetime experience.