Tales from the front: Running the Black Friday gauntlet

Time in line: 180 minutes. Stores: Five. Black Friday wounds: zero. The experience? Definitely NOT priceless.

For years, I vowed I'd never be one of the fanatics who'd wake up before dawn just to snag a few post-Thanksgiving shopping deals.

This morning, I reneged and became a fanatic.

Everyone who ventured out for jaw-dropping deals this morning had their own motivation. Some even enjoyed the experience, joking about the crowds, texting across the stores and relishing a ritual of bonding with friends and family. My motivation was purely economic – we really needed to save some money this year. We decided the sacrifice (three hours of sleep) was worth the reward of some big-time bargains.

By about 4 a.m., I was questioning my decision. The mood at my first destination, Wal-Mart, turned from a contented and orderly distribution of numbers for “hot items” to a grabby, “gotta-have-it” rush for coveted doorbusters. Shoppers ripped open shrink-wrapped pallets on the sales floor. Employees did their best, but some shoppers were clearly upset with perceived slights on items they wanted most (laptop computers, in Wal-Mart's case). Store managers eventually decided to hand out the big-ticket items at about 4:45, 15 minutes ahead of schedule, easing the tension somewhat. A faster-than-expected checkout, and I was out of there.

Four more stores followed, each boasting their own unbeatable deals. My enthusiasm for those deals ebbed and flowed, though it was boosted greatly by a free breakfast at Sam's Club.

Then, after stops at Younkers, Staples and Kmart, the sun began to rise and the mission was complete. I ended up with everything on my list (granted, it wasn't a large list). I'd count the day as a consumer success.

Would I brave Black Friday again? The bargains are enticing, but … this might not be the best day to ask. I'm tired, but I now understand the experience. My views on it remain a work in progress.

Ask me again around this time next year. That'll give me some time to collect my thoughts. And maybe catch a nap.

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