Black Friday Shopping Etiquette – There Can Be Civility!

 

We have seen stories in the news for years of shoppers on Black Friday who are less than polite when driving in the parking lots, waiting in line, and while shopping. It seems odd that after a day of giving thanks, and being in the celebratory spirit, that people would turn into oafish beings. For some it is that their rude nature comes out, for others they are simply clueless, and others have shiny object syndrome.  

Following are some tips that can help make your Black Friday shopping, and holiday shopping overall, more pleasant.

Driving/Parking:

• Be mindful when driving in store/mall parking lots. The law in most states is to come to a complete stop and wait for those in the crosswalks (street and parking lots) to cross before proceeding. This doesn’t mean inching your way through.
• Do avoid driving the wrong way down the parking aisle just to get a parking spot. This often results in an impasse where neither driver has the ability or desire to move.
• In states with snow, remember that the parking spots are smaller due to snow piles so park accordingly. If snow is piled high and thick, avoid parking your extra-long truck/SUV in that spot as your tail end will be out too far in the lane for others to easily pass. It isn’t worth potential dings or scratches on your vehicle, so simply grit your teeth and look for another parking option.
• Avoid taking two parking spots as your one spot.
• If you have dropped someone off at the door, and are then waiting for them to shop, park in a regular parking space, not by the door in the “no parking” or “fire lane.” Traffic will be heavy and this will slow and hold up the flow. Under no circumstances park in the handicapped space unless you have a permit to do so and plan to go in to the store. These spaces are reserved for those who are handicapped and going inside the store to shop. These spaces are not “waiting” spaces.
• As you cross streets and parking lots, be mindful of traffic. Avoid using your cellphone or texting while crossing. It only takes an instant to ruin your holiday with an accident.
• If you bring a shopping cart out to your car, take a moment to put it in the appropriate cart return rather than by the car, or worse, in a handicapped parking space (which unfortunately happens often).

Lines:

• While waiting in a long line is often not what most people want to be doing, you will eventually have your turn.
• Don’t arrive early and then hold spots in line for your friends/family who plan to come a little later. How do you feel when this has happened to you?
• Remember that the cashiers are doing their best and it is quite challenging to work with angry shoppers. Even the volume and constant stream of shoppers can be tiring.
• When waiting in the checkout line and a new register opens, allow those who were ahead of you to go next. Don’t just jump to that register out of que.

Shopping:

• No cutting in front of, or pushing others out of the way, to get to an item you are wanting to purchase.
• Help keep the items on the shelves neat. If you need to search for the color or style you need and it is towards the back of the grouping, be sure you don’t leave the items all askew.
• Never ever take something out of another shopper’s hands or cart.
• Pick up after yourself in the dressing room. You know how annoying it is to go into a dressing room full of clothes on the hooks, benches, and chairs.
• Be careful with your shopping cart. So many people seem to push and shove others with their carts on Black Friday that traffic patrols and/or lights would be helpful.
• Be mindful of those with disabilities, in motorized carts, and parents with children in strollers. It is challenging enough to be out shopping when you have limited mobility, let alone on Black Friday.
• When in a shopping mall or store, avoid walking three or more across, thereby creating difficulty for others to pass. Walking single file is often needed.
• Avoid texting and talking on your phones as you are walking in order to avoid bumping into other shoppers or carts. Step to the side out of the way for calls and texting.
• The “magic words” are still; magic!:  Please, Thank You, Excuse Me, I’m Sorry, May I Help You?

Dining:

• Order quickly. If necessary, stand back from the line to peruse the menu items before getting in line. You have likely had the unfortunate experience of waiting while someone in front of you is still trying to decide what to order...while your stomache is growling. 
• When dining at the mall or other fast food restaurants, do clean up after yourself, tossing trash, putting away tray, and ensure that the table isn’t full of crumbs. Yes, you are in a hurry, though just as you appreciate when the table is cleared when you arrive, others also appreciate this.