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