Chicagoans kept their distance from shopping frenzy on Black Friday, opting instead for a more subdued approach to snagging deals. Gone were the long lines of early risers waiting outside big-box stores, replaced by an eerie calm as shoppers strolled in with little fanfare.
For many, higher prices due to inflation and tariffs dampened enthusiasm for deep discounts. Hispanic shoppers in particular seemed hesitant to venture out, citing fears of immigration arrests from ICE agents. "The economy is not good," said Liset Avalos, a Home Depot shopper in Cicero, "and there are still people who are afraid of ICE."
However, some deal-seekers did find bargains, such as AJ Messner at Round Two vintage store in Wicker Park, where he snagged a rare R.E.M. shirt for 20% off the original $120 price tag. In contrast, Katie Walsh from Fashion Outlets of Chicago noted lines were "comparable" to last year's, but shoppers seemed more subdued.
Sales associates reported strong sales on certain items, like televisions marked down to $168, yet overall, there was a noticeable lackluster atmosphere among shoppers. Many cited the ongoing economic uncertainty and concerns over inflation as factors contributing to the subdued crowds.
In contrast, some protesters gathered outside the Water Tower in Chicago, holding signs that read "No Trump, No ICE, No Troops." Organizer Amaziah Burton emphasized the importance of confronting corporate greed on Black Friday rather than simply shopping.
For many, higher prices due to inflation and tariffs dampened enthusiasm for deep discounts. Hispanic shoppers in particular seemed hesitant to venture out, citing fears of immigration arrests from ICE agents. "The economy is not good," said Liset Avalos, a Home Depot shopper in Cicero, "and there are still people who are afraid of ICE."
However, some deal-seekers did find bargains, such as AJ Messner at Round Two vintage store in Wicker Park, where he snagged a rare R.E.M. shirt for 20% off the original $120 price tag. In contrast, Katie Walsh from Fashion Outlets of Chicago noted lines were "comparable" to last year's, but shoppers seemed more subdued.
Sales associates reported strong sales on certain items, like televisions marked down to $168, yet overall, there was a noticeable lackluster atmosphere among shoppers. Many cited the ongoing economic uncertainty and concerns over inflation as factors contributing to the subdued crowds.
In contrast, some protesters gathered outside the Water Tower in Chicago, holding signs that read "No Trump, No ICE, No Troops." Organizer Amaziah Burton emphasized the importance of confronting corporate greed on Black Friday rather than simply shopping.
. But I was expecting more chaos and frenzy around Black Friday? It's always been the day of sales and deals, but this time it felt pretty chill 
. Maybe its because everyone's just being more mindful about how they spend their money? Like, some people are really worried about getting caught up in all that ICE stuff, and thats no joke 
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. Maybe Ill have to try again next year and see how things go?
like, dont get me wrong im all for scoring some good deals too but also gotta respect everyone's boundaries rn especially with those immigration concerns, you feel? 
plus its awesome to see protesters standin up against corporate greed on black friday lol what a contrast! btw who needs all that drama when u can just snag a sick vintage R.E.M. shirt for 20% off tho 
. but at the same time, I kinda wish we could just go back to the old days of Black Friday chaos 
. there's something about the energy of a packed mall on Thanksgiving morning that just can't be replicated in today's climate 
that's still pretty steep if you ask me. i guess some people are willing to take the savings over the anxiety of shopping during uncertain times 
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but seriously tho i'm kinda impressed by chicagoans for not making a scene about it, all that hype last year was just a result of people getting desperate. also who needs ICE agents ruining the vibe for hispanic shoppers? 
anyway, i'd still rather see some protests over corporate greed than a bunch of people fighting over discounted tvs 
aj messner is lowkey a hero tho snagging that r.e.m. shirt at 20% off is like finding a unicorn 
but overall it's refreshing to see the black friday madness die down, maybe it's time for some retail therapy elsewhere 
. but what's with the hispanic shoppers being held back by ice fears? shouldn't we be talking about something more important than our immigration status? 
. It's all about finding ways to engage with the world, even when it feels overwhelming 
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. I'm glad AJ found that awesome R.E.M shirt for 20% off - now that's what I call a Black Friday win! 
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. I think it's awesome that organizers like Amaziah were promoting a message of resistance against corporate greed - maybe this Black Friday won't be so forgettable after all 
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. I mean, I know prices are crazy high due to inflation and all that, so maybe people just didn't feel like fighting for those deals anymore 
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. I'm all for standing up against corporate greed, but can't we have a little bit of both? Like, enjoy some great deals without feeling like we're betraying our values or something