Detroiters Lament Lost Chaos and Spirit of Black Friday Shopping

Metro Detroit shoppers are reminiscing about the vibrant spirit of Black Friday shopping, which seems to have faded over the years. With fewer crowds and more subdued energy, many participants in this year’s shopping spree expressed a sense of loss for the chaotic excitement that once defined this retail tradition.

Declining Spirit of Black Friday Shopping

Xavier Ramirez, a sales specialist at Verizon, noted that the atmosphere inside a Best Buy store in Dearborn was notably calm this year. He commented on the reduced number of shoppers, saying, “This morning we opened up and it was 10-15 customers.” In contrast, he recalled a time when lines would circle the store’s perimeter.

While Black Friday is still the busiest shopping day in the United States, shoppers observed that the sense of urgency and excitement has diminished. Many customers at the luxurious Somerset Collection mall in Troy left with small items, indicating a stark difference from the past.

Family Outings and Seasonal Shopping

• The Alderson family from Columbus, Ohio, visited the LEGO Store at Somerset to take advantage of a sale.
• Rachel Alderson expressed that their shopping trip serves more as a way to enjoy family time and holiday ambiance than to chase deep discounts.
• They had already found “Black Friday” deals on tires at Costco prior to their mall visit.

For many families, Black Friday shopping extends beyond mere purchases. Shoppers like Rachel find joy in capturing holiday memories and being part of the festive atmosphere, all while enjoying the Christmas music playing in the background.

Experiences and Disappointments

Shatela Hill, a resident of Detroit, has participated in Black Friday for 15 years yet expressed disappointment about missing out on significant deals this year. “They don’t have the deals they had a couple years before,” she said, pointing out that retailers have shifted to offering discounts over longer periods instead of on just one day.

In recent years, more consumers have opted to shop online. Adobe Analytics reported U.S. online sales reached $79.7 billion between November 1 and November 23, marking a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year. On Thanksgiving Day alone, online consumers spent an additional $6.4 billion, reflecting a growing trend toward digital shopping.

For shoppers like Asianna White, the convenience of quieter in-store environments this year was preferable. She shared her positive experience at Best Buy, where they purchased a 65-inch TV without the chaos of previous years, stating, “There’s no fights, there’s no huge outbreak.”

Future of Black Friday Shopping

As the retail landscape evolves, shoppers like Kavin Chung have adjusted their habits accordingly. Now a Chicago resident but originally from Troy, he stopped by the Apple store at Somerset to acquire a new work phone but noted the challenges posed by the parking situation. “I’m not sure I would come back in the future knowing how crazy parking was,” he explained.

The spirit of Black Friday may have transformed, but for many, the day remains an important part of their holiday traditions. Whether seeking out bargains or enjoying time with loved ones, the roots of this shopping day still resonate with many consumers across Metro Detroit.