Surviving Black Friday

Black Friday.

Its crowds can produce claustrophobia and its lines can bring anxiety attacks, but something about the madness still tempts thousands of local shoppers with the lure of "price-slashing deals" and the dream of the ultimate purchase.

While the seriousness of it all can be comical, the risks of Black Friday are nothing to laugh at. Well, sort of.

When speaking with Black Friday participants, an overwhelming decree of warning surfaces. "Don't attempt it by yourself," said Media Relations Officer at Annapolis Area Christian School, Juliet Wright.

Wright, who has attended more than a few Black Fridays, said, "This is something you must do with a support of friends around you."

Seem dramatic? That's because it is, said retail veteran and freelance photographer Becca Coe, who currently works at a local clothing store. "There's nothing more scary then when a person passes out while they are paying for a purchase [due to a lack of hydration]," she said.

"Stay hydrated," she said. "Keep some water on you at all times. You don't know when you might need it."

Embracing childhood safety tips can go a long way, said Coe.

"A couple years ago when I decided to brave the gods and go out into the chaos, a woman failed to look both ways before crossing the street and got bumped by a moving vehicle," she said. "It's dangerous."

In addition, Coe stressed the importance of keeping calm amid the hysteria, and as a retail employee, admits that rushing doesn't always produce the best results.

"Too many people are bumping to get ahead of the line," she said. "The truth is, there will be another sale at some point and it may just be better than the Black Friday deals."

Local Mom and Quarterfield Elementary PTA President, Katie Frank, discussed the strategies of Black Friday and how to maximize time and effort while partaking in the shopping extravaganza.

"Bring a friend who doesn't mind standing in line so that you can go back and forth to get your items," she said. "Bring cell phones. You can coordinate lists so you can look in different parts of the store and don't spend time searching for each other when you want to check out."

While many stories about Black Friday may carry the aroma of frustration or a frenetic tone, it doesn't always end up that way, said Frank.

Two years ago, Frank and her friends met at Kohl's to go shopping. After browsing the store and spending more than an hour in line, one of her friend's made the cashier an offer.

"Would you give me an extra discount if I sing a Christmas carol?" said her friend.

The cashier looked at her and said, "I'd be happy to give you a discount if you promise not to sing!"

"We thought he was joking," said Frank. "We then chatted with him about how crazy the holiday rush was and he gave all three of us additional discounts."

Evidence, that perhaps if done correctly, Black Friday doesn't have to be so black after all.