Many MCHS students make preparations for this year’s Black Friday as they work at our classic town shops.
Stores all over town get ready for the upcoming, and infamous Black Friday that takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving, this year it is on Nov. 30. Black Friday gives shoppers a chance to shop at their favorite stores and receive amazing deals.
Behind the scenes, however, the fun shopping event can be hectic. According to Kendall Pica, senior at MCHS and an employee at the Mchenry Old Navy, working on Black Friday can be quite stressful.
“Black Friday is so fast paced,” says Pica. “It gets super busy and the nine hour shift gives me very little time to shop for myself.”
Although working at discount store Tj Maxx, Jamison Shea, senior at MCHS is nervous for the commotion Black Friday can bring.
“I’m anticipating it’s going to be really busy just because it’s Black Friday,” says Shea.”One thing that’s different about TJ Maxx is because everything is already discounted, so there isn’t many special sales but it still might be stressful especially on the register because you’re trying to push rewards and credits with the long queues.”
Although there are some downsides to working on Black Friday as it restricts your schedule, or the stress that comes with it, it can still bring amazing benefits including dynamic work experience.
“Working on Black Friday can be very benefittal,” says Pica. “Especially if you are looking to pursue a fast-paced career in the future.”
“It can teach people a good way to manage stress in a fast paced environment,” says Shea. “Being able to help students be productive … just help … learn to survive in an intense situation.”
In McHenry, many shops are celebrating this fun event by making it as festive as possible for the upcoming holiday season, although some can be lackluster.
“I know stores like Ross aren’t celebrating Black Friday as it’s an already discounted store,” says Pica. “I haven’t seen a lot of festive celebrations on Black Friday, even if there are many for Christmas. I do know, however, that Old Navy gets very festive for Black Friday with 50% off almost everything, along with the $5 pajama pants sale we have every year.”
Even if Black Friday isn’t the most festive event going on in our town, McHenry has many holiday centered celebrations, according to Pica, including a holiday walk, and even the tree lighting in Veterans Park to introduce the amazing 2024 holiday season.