Associates are super-stressed because, for many of them, this is their first time working on such a busy day. They are extremely overwhelmed and had to be up as early as you did. If they are going slow at the register, remind yourself that it’s probably the technology that is being slow.

The day after Thanksgiving is usually a day to relax, digest all the food you ate the day before and watch a whole lot of football. But, there is another thing that happens on this day. Malls and department stores open hours earlier than usual and have the best sales of the year. This day is known as Black Friday.

Black Friday was given its name because of the large crowds of people out and about on the day following Thanksgiving, named after the chaos on Black Tuesday, the day in 1929 when the stock market crashed.

In economic terms, black refers to being extremely profitable, as opposed to being in the red, which means no or little profits. From the end of September to November, stores are usually desolate and very slow in business. Black Friday represents the beginning of the profitable period for retail stores. It has served as the first day of the Christmas shopping season since the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 1924.

As a survivor of this retail holiday (dreaded by industry workers and treasured by seasoned shoppers), here are a few tips on how to survive without yelling, screaming, being physically removed from a store or arrested.

1. Be patient. Everyone has heard this before, but it’s a good thing to remember. Being pushy and nonsensical won’t do you any good. Instead, just be polite. You don’t want to be the one that makes the cashier lose her cool. Believe me, I have seen it happen.

2. Arrive at your mall or stores either extremely early or later in the evening. Parking is one of the many reasons people start their shopping day off on the wrong foot. If you can, take the bus or park farther away than the rest of the people and enjoy the walk.

3. Don’t spend too much time in one store. If you can’t decide on something, buy a gift card in a smaller amount for the person. Later, if you find another gift you won’t have spent too much money on two separate things. It also makes the movement of people easier throughout the store.
4. Don’t be a slob. If you pick up a piece of clothing and don’t remember where you got it, bring it to the person attending the fitting rooms or another associate. They will be more than willing to put it away for you. By putting unwanted items in the wrong place or unfolded, you’re keeping store employees work longer after close. Remember, they have lives too.
5. Don’t be rude just to be rude. Associates are super-stressed because, for many of them, this is their first time working on such a busy day. They are extremely overwhelmed and had to be up as early as you did. If they are going slow at the register, remind yourself that it’s probably the technology that is being slow. This may not always be true, but it is a great way to keep from yelling at the cashier. Another way to refrain from making someone cry is to check all clothing items for security sensors. That way you can have the cashier remove them before you leave the store. It’s quite infuriating to arrive at home and find security tags still on your items, keeping you from gifting them or using them yourself.

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