Birmingham Shoppers Reflect on Black Friday Memories
Ah, Birmingham! A city rich in tradition, where the holiday season isn’t just a time for family gatherings but also for the legendary Black Friday shopping spree! While the hustle and bustle of pre-dawn shopping has mellowed in recent years, we can’t help but feel a warm nostalgia for the good old days. Shoppers have come together to share their fondest Black Friday memories, reminding us that this day has always been about more than just discounts.
The Dawn Patrol
Can you picture it? Setting an alarm for the crack of dawn, slipping into cozy pajamas topped with a warm coat, and heading out the door—all in the name of snagging the best deals! Susan Dennis Wyatt shared her classic routine: “Got up before dawn… went to Walmart. Bought a TV, checked out, went home… removed coat… went back to bed. Slept well!!!” What a perfect way to kick off the season!
Comedic Encounters
Some memories were hilariously chaotic. Daphne Hudson recounted a time her sister got “knocked into a towel bin at Walmart.” The incident had her and their mom in stitches, proving that sometimes laughter is the best part of the holiday shopping experience! And then there’s Cynthia Monroe Miller, who learned the hard way that holiday shopping can get a bit too dramatic. She hasn’t set foot in a Black Friday store since witnessing a brawl over a pair of boots. “It sickened me to see that people thought this was what the season was all about,” she lamented.
Camping Culture
Many Birmingham residents reminisced about the once-exciting Black Friday camping nights. Himy Susie expressed her sadness over this lost joy, saying, “There used to be an excitement in camping out for deals.” Chris Schuler Bushey reminisced fondly about standing outside J.C. Penney with her mother, anxiously waiting to snag a discounted ornament. “We had so much fun!” she said, with a twinkle in her eye.
Musical Memories and More
Black Friday wasn’t just about shopping; it was also an event! Brad Lackey fondly remembers catching legendary singer Davy Jones performing around 2 a.m. at Riverchase Galleria. “He sang ‘Daydream Believer’ about 73 times. It was great!” Not every moment was about the goods—it was also about the people!
Family Traditions
For many, Black Friday is a family affair. Amy, a Birmingham food blogger, told us about how her mother booked a room at the Wynfrey Hotel, where she and her best friend would spend the evening shopping and laughing together. Gloria Gould recalls getting up at 5 a.m. with her mother in the year 2000, with another standout memory of going out while eight months pregnant to protect a prized TV on sale. “No one was gonna mess with me!” she chuckled.
Limousine Luxury
Why not make it a lavish affair? Patrice Anderson and her family rented a limousine each year to avoid parking hassles. They’d kick off their day with coffee at McDonald’s, followed by mimosas, creating a glamorous start to their shopping adventure. “We had the BEST driver,” she noted, making it clear that Black Friday could be filled with fun and festivity.
Nostalgia for Simplicity
Yet, not everyone missed the chaos. Some prefer the comfort of home during this bustling shopping day. “I’m home in my pajamas eating leftovers,” said one reader, showcasing a different approach to the post-Thanksgiving hustle. After all, sometimes the best memories come from the quiet moments spent with loved ones.
Conclusion: A New Era of Shopping
As Birmingham shoppers continue to evolve with the times, it’s evident that Black Friday will always hold a special place in many hearts. Whether through tales of midnight adventures or cozy days spent at home, this tradition has shaped holiday seasons for generations. So, as we look ahead to what Black Friday 2024 might bring, let’s hold onto the memories and spirit of community that once made this day a true celebration of the season.
