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Show Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 Page 4 AggieLif• Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.utahstatesman.com Customers swarm for Black Friday deals BY STACEY WORSTER staff writer It's almost that time of year again. Pushing, determined shoppers, lack of patience and significant sales come to mind. In the investing world, Black Friday refers to the Gold Crisis in 1869 and sometimes the crash of the New York Stock Exchange in 1873. In the retail world, it refers to the kickoff of holiday shopping and the point in which most retailers make the most profit, or "going in the black." Jennessa James, an undeclared junior, said the hours of Black Friday are changing dramatically each year along with the lines. "I work at Pac Sun and I like Black Friday," James said. "It is worth getting up to me but maybe not so early. Stores opening up at three or four is reasonable. Midnight sounds a little crazy to me. Last year I worked on Black Friday and the line was a little out of control." Benjamin Mcvey, a sales associate at Fun Unlimited, said the gameplan of each customer determines their success on Black Friday. "Black Friday is an awesome day to get the things at a discounted price, as long as you know what you want to get, get there early and endure the crazy shoppers," Mcvey said. Mcvey said the best day of the year to purchase socks is the day after Thanksgiving. He said they aren't cheap these days. "I don't worry about buying anything else," Mcvey said. "I stock up on socks for the year and get out of the chaotic shopping centers." William Hansen, a future Aggie, had a different opinion about this shopping event. He does not think dealing with the crazed shoppers, long lines and impatience is worth losing sleep over. "I think it's completely ridiculous and I'm going to stay at home and eat leftovers," Hansen said. "I'll let my mom do the shopping." Meredith Hardy, an undeclared sophomore, said the sales after the holidays are almost always better and the door busters will be everywhere. "Personally, I don't think it is worth it because sometimes the sales aren't that great," Hardy said. "A lot of stores don't have their best sales until after Christmas anyways." Hardy mentioned swinging by some of the stores and seeing what deals are out there isn't a bad idea, but holding off until after Christmas might be the wiser choice for the better sales. "I will go and check out items I am interested in buying, but I watch the prices drop throughout the next month then make my move," Hardy said. "Black Friday is the kickoff to the holiday shopping season," said Danielle Anderson, a human resource management graduate. "People get really excited and crazy to get the deals they have seen advertised." Anderson works in retail and said how exciting it is to have so many people to help out in one day — that is, if they remember sales associates all around are willing to lend a helping hand. "This is a great day for retail," Anderson said. "If the shoppers simmer down and realize we are here to help, a lot can be accomplished on both ends." Matthew Strang, an undeclared sophomore, said he's leaning toward staying at home on Black Friday. "Black Friday is just an excuse for people to come out and try to get the sales with hundreds of other people doing the exact same thing," Strang said. Strang said he thinks if something is a good deal, it should have a good price all year round. "After a day of telling people how thankful we are, we are willing to trample each other to death to save 10 percent," Strang said. "I think if something is a good deal, it's a good price all year round, it's not worth it. T.J. Guinn, a freshman, has had experience working in retail during the annual event. He said experiencing a stressful, negative Black Friday could permanently change post-Turkey Day BLACK FRIDAY, THE DAY after Thanksgiving, attracts large crowds of shoppers looking for deals. MICKELLE YEATES photo illustration traditions. "I personally don't think Black Friday is worth it, mostly because I have worked the retail for it," Guinn said. "I guess it's good for the companies, but ethically I'm not sure about it. I'm not a big fan of Black Friday, but I also don't own a massive corporation." — staceyw459@gmail.corn Shredding mountains: a costly hobby BY HAILEE HOUSLEY staff writer Ski season is right around the corner and students are preparing to embrace it. For some, ski season has already begun with the opening of six different Utah ski resorts. "I'm heading down to Park City this weekend with some of my buddies," Nico Virgi, a sophomore majoring in international business, said. "I wanted to be shredding the whole week of Thanksgiving break, but I have to work the day after Thanksgiving, which sucks. I could have left Tuesday and skied until Monday." Many students are season pass holders to their favorite ski resorts. Nico said he has a season pass this year to Park City's ski resort. "I just go to Park City because their park is amazing," Virgi said. "Their jumps and everything are set up so smoothly." Getting a season pass can be a better financial decision for those who ski or snowboard regularly. "I get a season pass to Beaver pretty much every year," Caden Sorenson, a junior majoring in computer science, said. "I go up to beaver usually about three times a week. So I pay off my pass in three weeks, maybe four." Some choose to get season passes to multiple resorts. "I usually have a pass to both Beaver and Park City, because I usually go to both resorts enough to pay them off," said Gabe Anderson, a junior majoring in international business. "This year I only have a pass to beaver. I don't think I will have enough time this season to drive down to Park City that often." SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS often choose to purchase multiple-season passes to enjoy their winter sport at various locations. Stock photo Anderson said he has experienced many different ski resorts, including every Utah resort, and many of the resorts in the surrounding states. "Utah resorts are my favorite," he said. "When we get powder here it is the best. The snow is the number one difference between Utah resorts and other states. If we're not having a good snow day I will go ski Park, but if there is snow I will go ski Powder." The quality and consistency of snow can be a pivotal factor in a positive winter sport experience. "My least favorite resort that I have been to is probably Bogus up in Idaho," said Sorenson, "The snow is really wet there. It isn't dry and soft like it is here." Some students feel lucky to have such good snow here in utah, and said the snow was a factor in their decision to attend USU. "I'm from Pittsburgh," said Virgi, "I have been skiing since I was about two, so I wanted to come to utah and ski this amazing snow." Factors other than snow can also play a role in a positive resort experience. Anderson said when he goes to a resort he guages its quality by observing factors such as quality of maintenance, line service clutter, as well as the grooming and maintenance of the mountain itself. "Beaver's line service is usually cluttered," said Anderson. "My favorite resort of all time is probably Alta. They have so much terrain and area to ski there — it's really technical." Sorenson said factors such as lift efficiency and park terrain are important to him when considering a resort. "Quick lifts to the top are important to me. I prefer a fast lift than a slow one. I don't want to spend my whole day on a lift." Said Sorenson, "The terrain park is also a big deal. I want to go to a resort with a good park, because I really like getting big air and hitting rails." Annually purchasing new equipment is important to some skiers, but can also be pricy. "I get two new skis every year — park and powder," said Anderson, "I'm kind of a jerk to my skis. I'm used to the idea of my skis getting beat up in one season, so I need a new pair the next." While the price of new skis is traditionally high, Virgi said he became the "Charlie Bucket" of the skiing world, winning a "golden ticket" which entitles him to a free pair of K2 skis every other year for the rest of his life. "I guess you could just call me OSee SKI, Page 6 |