They say it’s the biggest shopping day of the year, but biggest doesn’t mean best. Should people still care about this supposed one-day bonanza?

 

Read the article:

https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/does-black-friday-actually-matter-anymore.html

and decide if the sentences below are

true or false:

 

1. The author suggests that Black Friday has become less significant due to the emergence of various shopping days.

2. Many consumers are now more inclined to purchase second-hand or handmade items instead of new products.

3. The text implies that Black Friday is the only day when significant discounts are available.

4. Retailers have started promoting Black Friday sales well before the actual day.

5. The author believes that the chaos associated with Black Friday shopping is enjoyable for most people.

6. Outlet stores are increasingly popular as they offer unique products at lower prices.

7. The text indicates that the shopping frenzy on Black Friday is a recent phenomenon.

 

 

Key: 1T; 2 T; 3F; 4T; 5F; 6T; 7F

 

Glossary

 

• bonanza – a sudden great increase in wealth, success, or luck
• winding – repeatedly turning in different directions
• mayhem – a situation that is not controlled or ordered, when people are behaving in a disorganized, confused, and often violent way
• to ramp up – increase the level or amount of something sharply
• brick and mortar – used to describe a traditional business that operates in a building, when compared to one that operates over the internet
• ordeal – a difficult or unpleasant experience
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm; the condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist
• artsy – characterized by or showing artistry or artistic talent

 

Practice makes perfect

Fill in the gaps in the article extract with the words in bold below:

 

congestion                       surged               substantial                      eager                  rotted  

behind the scenes            contingency                 intricate             demand                            layer

Before the pumpkins have 1. ……….. and Halloween candy fully devoured, it now seems like the Holiday season is upon us. Hard to believe, but Black Friday and its relatively new “digital twin,” Cyber Monday, are almost here, ready to kick off the beginning of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering 2. ………….. deals both in-store and online.

But in recent years, it seems to have expanded into a month-long event. Retailers kick off promotions as early as October, leading many to wonder if we should now refer to it as “Black November.”

This shift reflects the increasing competition among retailers 3. ………… to capture consumer spending before the Thanksgiving turkey is even served.(…)

As Thanksgiving approaches, retailers face immense pressure to meet increased consumer 4. ………… . With over half of consumers planning to begin their holiday shopping by Thanksgiving, it increases the importance of accurately predicting inventory needs and the importance of forecasting demand during fluctuating consumer preferences and market dynamics. (…)

Logistics also become a significant challenge during this peak season. The recent West Coast Port strike, all be it quickly resolved, has only increased 5. …………., which can lead to delays in deliveries. Weather conditions can further complicate transportation logistics, emphasizing the need for robust 6. ……………. plans. (…)

The rising cost of goods has added another 7. …………. of complexity this holiday season. Prices for essential Thanksgiving Day meal have 8. ……….. – potatoes are up 17.5%, butter has risen by 34%, and canned goods have seen similar increases due to heightened shipping costs and raw material shortages. Retailers must navigate these inflationary pressures while maintaining competitive pricing strategies. (…) Businesses must embrace proactive strategies (…).

Understanding these dynamics not only helps businesses prepare but also allows consumers to appreciate the 9. ………… logistics that make our holiday celebrations possible.

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to reflect on the hard work 10. ………….. that brings our festive feasts and gifts. (…)

In order to read the whole article, go to: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2024/11/12/the-business-impact-of-black-friday-cyber-monday-and-the-holiday-creep/

Key: 1. rotted; 2. substantial; 3. eager; 4. demand; 5. congestion; 6. contingency; 7. layer; 8. surged; 9. intricate; 10. behind the scenes

 

Discuss:

• Are you a bargain hunter?
• Are you planning to buy anything on Black Friday?
• What do you dislike about Black Friday?
• What’s the difference between ”early bird discount”, ”flash sales”, ”a steal”, ”price bundling”?
• There are no real deals on Black Friday because the majority of retailers ramp up their prices a few days ahead of Black Friday so that it looks like they are giving you a big discount. Do you agree?

Watch and revise!

 

Does Black Friday Still Matter?

 

 

https://www.cloud.worldwideschool.pl/index.php/s/xSQpsGse5XYFoMr

 

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