Friday, November 23, 2012
A few facts, figures and tidbits before heading out with the other shoppers.
1. Weekend weather forecast: 2. History of Black Friday: The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand and red ink indicated a loss, black a profit. Ever since the start of the modern Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, the Friday after Thanksgiving has been known as the unofficial start to a bustling holiday shopping season. 3. Black Friday myth: Despite common belief, Black Friday is not the biggest shopping day of the year. It's not even in the top five, according to a posting on todayifoundout.com. So which day gets the prize? Typically, the last Saturday before …
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Blue laws prohibit retailers from opening before midnight on Black Friday.
Black Friday is starting earlier than ever, as some national retailers have announced they will open the night of Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 22. However, here in Massachusetts, state blue laws prohibit stores from opening until midnight, according to a report by the Boston Globe. Current blue laws prohibit retailers in the state from opening on Thanksgiving, thus preventing them from getting an early start on Black Friday sales, according to the Globe article. Some exceptions are restaurants, health care facilities and gas stations. The laws, instituted in the 17th century, are intended to make sure holidays are properly observed, according to the Boston Globe. Are Massachusetts' blue laws outdated? Should they be eliminated? Tell us …
Monday, November 28, 2011
Patch wants to know if you went out on Black Friday and what you think of the sales holiday.
Were you some of the brave souls who ventured out on Black Friday into the madness of multi-sales shopping? Is this kind of consumer bid just not for you? Did you get any good items? What are your overall thoughts on this year's Black Friday? Please take the poll and then toss Patch some of your thoughts or pictures of a Black Friday event in the comments section below!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Scope out the "Patch Facts" column for Nov. 25.
1. Black Friday deal: Burn some Thanksgiving calories by taking a trip to Stone Zoo, as it is offering 50 percent off admission on Black Friday. Admission is typically $13 for adults, $11 for seniors over 62 and $9 for children ages 2-12. The zoo will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2. In case you missed it: Stoneham firefighters tended to a two-alarm fire at a dentist office at 546 Main St. on Thanksgiving evening. 3. Searching for a new home? Check out our latest "House Hunt" column featuring a sampling of open houses slated for this weekend. The column will be posted at noon on Friday. 4. Holiday classic comes to Stoneham Theatre: Never seen "The Nutcracker" performed live on stage? Catch the show tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Stoneham Theatre. For …
42.50705
-71.073137
1 Church St, Wakefield, MA
/articles/five-things-blood-drive-stone-zoo-discount-the-nutcracker-heads-to-stoneham-theatre
/locations/5878583
42.463792
-71.0923
Stone Zoo
149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA
/articles/five-things-blood-drive-stone-zoo-discount-the-nutcracker-heads-to-stoneham-theatre
2008441
/locations/5878584
42.479092
-71.100201
Stoneham Theatre
395 Main St, Stoneham, MA
/articles/five-things-blood-drive-stone-zoo-discount-the-nutcracker-heads-to-stoneham-theatre
783115
/locations/5878585
A blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross runs from 1-6 p.m. at the First Parish Congregational Church in Wakefield.
[Editor's note: The information below was provided by the American Red Cross.] The First Parish Congregational Church in Wakefield will host a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. All eligible and new blood donors are encouraged to give blood. Blood donors are needed everyday to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need. In November, all presenting donors are eligible to enter to win a $50 Visa gift card that can be used towards your Thanksgiving turkey dinner. There will be one winner selected each day of the month; prizes are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash. To make an appointment to donate blood, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log onto redcrossblood.org.
42.50705
-71.073137
1 Church St, Wakefield, MA
/articles/event-spotlight-american-red-cross-blood-drive-45c92c76
/locations/5878572
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Check out the shopping suggestions offered by the Better Business Bureau before visiting stores in the Stoneham area or buying gifts online this holiday season
[Editor's note: The information below is from a Better Business Bureau (BBB) press statement.] Tip 1 – Know Before You Go Many retailers will release their Black Friday deals online, in social media and other publications. Research where the sales are and make a list of your gift priorities to compare prices and plan your day of deals. Since many advertisements will begin before the actual sale, build up a coupon collection as soon as possible. Remember to bring ads with you on Black Friday just in case the price is not what you expected. Tip 2 – Don’t Fall for False Advertising Despite the BBB's effort to advance trust in the marketplace, some companies will resort to advertisements that are untrue, misleading, deceptive, or plain …
Sandra
6:11 pm on Sunday, November 18, 2012
Blue laws should not be eliminated for the fact that a lot of families still consider these holidays holy and is the only time that most families come together if employers are closed on there holidays who is going to protect ours more ›