Facebook Becomes Clearinghouse for Black Friday Deals

By Ivana Kvesic, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, November 24, 2011

In a world where social networking reigns supreme, retail giants are increasingly using the power of online engagement to attract customers. This year more than ever, retail chains have been offering up some of the best Black Friday deals out there via Facebook, the world’s most popular social networking site.

The notoriously popular website has become a key marketing tool for merchants looking to lure shoppers into their stores and onto their websites for the holiday season.

Stores such as JCPenney are reaching out to customers via Facebook by allowing shoppers to create and share “wish lists.” Best Buy is using the website to inform “friends” of online-only doorbusters, while Target’s fan page is chockfull with fliers offering deals galore.

With more than 800 million users worldwide, the strategy to connect to people through the largest social networking website appears to be working.

According to the research firm iProspect, 57 percent of Black Friday shoppers will utilize Facebook for Black Friday deals and retail experts predict that this year Black Friday will be the biggest yet.

Shopping experts warn consumers to prepare themselves for long lines and a shopping frenzy, but also offer suggestions for keeping families safe during the notoriously chaotic shopping day.

Some of the tips for people planning on shopping on Black Friday this year include sticking close to family members, keeping a working means of contact close by, such as a cell phone, and having an emergency plan ready in case of catastrophe.

Other suggestions include staying on high-alert, keeping aware of your surroundings and removing yourself and family members from any “mob-like” situations.

With more people than ever expected to hit the Black Friday sales this year, many suggest that online shopping might be the safer option as recent years have been marked with a number of violent episodes.

The most notable Black Friday violence happened in 2008 when a 34-year-old employee at Walmart was stampeded to death as anxious shoppers stormed the store upon its opening.

Last year a woman was arrested in Wisconsin for threatening to shoot shoppers in line at a local Toys “R” Us, a man was discovered at a Florida Walmart armed with a handgun and two knives, and a Target employee was trampled upon in an incident reminiscent of the 2008 death at Walmart.

Although shopping on America’s most popular discount day is getting more expansive every year, it could prove to be too dangerous to be worth the discount or the headache.