How do stores prep for Black Friday?

December 1, 2019

By: Mitchell Baldwin

Bowie, M.D. -- In a virtually digital world where people complain about 10 second loading screens, it is rare to find events that bring masses of people together and keep them distracted from how many likes their new video has. Events like these are scarce, but when they take place, they are sure to leave lasting memories.

Just as people get excited annually for events like the Super Bowl, New Years Eve, and large musical festivals like Coachella, there are some who equally, if not more, anticipate Black Friday.

Black Friday is a day where penny pinchers and coupon cutters alike can display their skills of finding their items at the cheapest price in front of hundreds. Brands everywhere are practically throwing away merchandise and some people just can’t resist.

Target's Method to avoid madness

In Bowie, one of the constant hot spots for Black Friday is Target. This location in particular is the most popular store in its shopping center, so they definitely have their work cut out for them. Donovan Moore, a veteran cashier from the store, answered some questions about how Target prepares for these excited, sale crazy customer's. 

We take extra measures, we only allow the experienced workers work on the days we anticipate to be busy." "The managers are smart about it though because they schedule a lot of people just in case anyone calls out because they know a lot of people would rather not work during holidays." "We also hire more security. We station 2 at the front of the store and 2 in the back who strictly monitor the cameras." In addition to new security, Target has other creative ways to control shopper madness

Jordan Jenkins one of Donovan's co-workers at Target had this to say. "Target prepares fluently and ahead of time, making sure that all of the items are fully stocked and properly placed so the purchase experience is easy and seamless for customers." "Target even hires secret shoppers to keep an eye out on customers."

It is neither fun nor ideal to wake up as early as employees do to get to work, but it is equally as miserable and frustrating dealing with long lines, rude people, and terrible drivers. So now that we have the employee side of the story, I think it is only right to get the customer's point of view.

A Third Perspective

Jaylin Johnson, a current sophomore at the University of Maryland, had this to say about her Black Friday shopping experience. "I am very careful about where I shop on Black Friday because if the stores do not prepare correctly, chaos is bound to happen." "I chose to go to Target because they not only have better deals than many retail stores, but they also have a large variety of items and are one of the most prepared stores on Black Friday," she said. "If you have ever been to Target's competition on a busy shopping day, you will appreciate how well Target manages the chaos."

"It is better to go to one store and buy everything you need, instead of visiting multiple stores on a day as busy as Black Friday." she said. Many other shoppers feel this way and that is one of the many reasons Target is as successful as they are.

Related link:
Click here to find more great stores to visit on Black Friday
Click here to learn the do's and don't of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 

Halloween 2019: The ultimate guide

By Elizabeth Wolfe and Saeed Ahmed

Looking for your one-stop shop for everything Halloween? Well, buckle up because you've hit the mother lode. From costumes and candy to controversy; here's all you could ever want to know this Halloween. Should you really wear that costume? Before you do anything, check in with our handy interactive costume guide. Or you can just forgo making that decision and put a turkey on your head like Monica from "Friends." Not quite sure of the proper etiquette for trick-or-treating? We've got you covered on that, too.

Skip the cuteness this year, you aren’t going to win!

No matter how hard you try to top all the other costumes, this little boy with cerebral palsy has everybody beat. The tiny toddler's "Up" costume brilliantly incorporates his medical equipment in one of the most adorable outfits of the season. On that note, if you think your baby has the sweetest costume of them all ... they don't. These NICU babies dressed up for Halloween are the epitome of cute. Just try to look at an infant dressed like a mouse without it warming your cold heart. Still, we can't help but appreciate this boy's wheelchair-friendly costumes.

A Trick or a Treat?

Those looking for a crowd-pleasing candy to pass out on Halloween should pick up a hefty bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. A new poll revealed that they're America's favorite candy.

Trick-or-treaters aren't the only ones prepping for Halloween. This candy company has been gearing up for months for their biggest sales season.

But what about those rumors of razor-filled apples and poisoned candy? Wait a second. It might just be a bunch of rumors.

While sabotaged candies may not be something to worry about, there are certainly many other hazards to watch out for. After all, Halloween can be a deadly day for some kids and a risky one for adults.

We'll get into the controversy of Halloween a bit later, but we'd be remiss if we didn't mention an argument for the ages. Is candy corn good? Or does it taste like a dusty clump of sugar your grandmother just pulled out of her pocket? There are a few commentators at CNN who have gone head-to-head in the great CNN Candy Corn debate 

Netflix and Kill

You may have been binging on spooky movies all month, but just in case you need a few more, here are some scary good movie recommendations: Spooky Season Movies

Not into being scared senseless? There's always "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!"

Related Links: Guide to trick or treating
Guide to Halloween Parties

Is Max Kellerman Crazy?

Sports Analyst Max Kellerman (co-host of first take with Stephen A Smith) went on First Take yesterday and said on national television that Kawhi Leonard is a better clutch player than Kobe Bryant. When Max was asked to describe a moment where Kawhi has made a clutch play on the same level as Kobe, Max could not and did not answer the question. He has been getting clowned on social media for his "hot take" and rightfully so in my eyes. Max Kellerman should not be allowed to talk basketball any longer due to his comment and in many people's eyes he has lost all basketball credibility.  Only time will tell if Max Kellerman was correct in his assessment, but as of right now, Max Kellerman is on the hot seat and it seems like it may be that way for a long time.