Black Friday this year meant something different for one segment of the population — the realities of a still-flat economy.
People who’ve been hit hard by the recession, or wanted to buffer themselves against possible financial bumps in coming months, stayed home or worked instead of going to the mall.
“I’m not shopping because I don’t have any money,” said Dorothy Mitchell of west Denver, who has previously shopped Black Friday. But her husband died and she recently lost her part-time job.
“I draw Social Security. The little money I’ve made in the last few years has been just that — very little,” she said.
Mitchell said she appreciates the comfort of home and is thankful for what she has.
“I see people in worse shape than I am. I try to look on the bright side. . . . I could be out on the street.”
Goldie Mariola, 21, strapped on a green apron at Barnes & Noble bookstore in downtown Denver to spend part of the day serving coffee.
It’s a part-time position she landed about a month ago after a year of searching. Also a Black Friday shopper in the past — “but not the kind who turns out at 4 a.m.” — Mariola is scaling back her holiday spending. The reason: little money for Christmas presents. “I make ceramics, so everyone will get a bowl.”
Other people out Friday weren’t getting caught up in the hype, whether they had jobs or not.
“It’s a bunch of baloney,” said Garth Lorenzen of Sedalia, who is out of work. “Honestly, there’s nothing we need to buy.”
By midday, Julieann Kovaleski was buying a cup of coffee in a not-so- crowded Starbucks. Other stores she would avoid.
“It’s not that important to find the deals today,” she said. “I’m more of a last-minute shopper.”
Sandra Doudna, a Grand County mortgage broker and avid Black Friday shopper in the past, also sees Black Friday avoidance as healthy.
Her family has pledged not to spend money for gifts this year.
“We are going to spend more time playing games around the dining-room table and enjoying friends with less stress.”
Miles Moffeit: 303-954-1415 or mmoffeit@denverpost.com
