Over drinks yesterday, my friend shared an insight. Thanks to my hangover, I’ll have to paraphrase everything:
Him: “Would you know how well retailers did during Black Friday?”
Me: “Not yet, I think it’s too early to tell. I’m sure a report will come out soon.”
Him: “Well, all I’m saying is that if people don’t buy this year, even with the low prices, things must be really bad.”
Me: “From what I’ve seen, things look good. Did you read about that Wal-Mart temp employee killed in a buyer stampede?”
Him: “Oh yeah… so there were lots of buyers right?”
Me: “Well if that case is …read more

Great job America! Retailers become generous (or “generous”) for Black Friday and this is what happens? You’ve just played out Lord of the Flies for the whole world to see. And for what? Cheaper TVs to see grown men bang each other at even better detail? Computers to download porn?
First off, over at a Toys R Us in Palm Desert, bad blood between two groups of shoppers led to a gunfight that left 2 dead. Now it isn’t clear if these events are tied to Black Friday (in fact Toys R Us came out with a statement implying such to …read more

Remember when Apple slashed the price of the first-gen iPhone by $200? That led to a lot of whining by early adopters, who for some reason felt suddenly stupid spending a premium to be the first owners of the “exclusive” phone. And Apple caved in, giving the early adopters $100 credit for the Apple store.
Looks like the same thing happened with the T-Mobile G1, at least for one writer online. Originally offered for $180, Wal-Mart came along and spoiled the fun by offering it for $30 less. That prompted “Andrew R Hickey” to blast Wal-Mart for offering something cheaper, trying …read more