Time to pull the plug on this one
This day is coming to an end at least for me and my equipment.
I am on the same juice as my laptop and both sets of camera batteries. We are all just about out of power.
November 25, 2005
Santa's Little Helpers
These Elves have the holiday glow
The Tree Is Still Lit
I am a bit removed from the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. It became a bit overwhelming for everyone in the crowd.
As usual, there were thousands of shoppers that converged on Daley Plaza and beyond to see the lighting of the tree. It seemed this year that as more people gathered the snow fell harder. There were various choirs and speakers on the stage before the lights went on.
A frosty end...
As Bill noted down thread it has started to snow steadily here in Chicago. Fortunately, the snow gods timed it just right as our Black Friday comes to a close here.
A View From Above......slightly
A view from the second floor of Borders overlooking State and Randolph and Marshall Field's in the background with the countless shoppers following the story of Cinderella in the store's widows.
Fireworks
Fireworks followed the Lighting of the tree. No the Picasso statue is not on fire.
Lights
The Official Christmas Tree of Chicago Has Light
Enjoying The Day
John Paige and Jan Metzger enjoy a break on the second floor of Borders in the cafe where they are seated at the window overlooking State and Randolph.
Let it snow
It held off most of the day, but not the evening. As soon as the sun started to go down the snow started to fall. Flurries at first and then a steady fall.
Tis the season right.
The snow sure adds to the festive feel. However, it is also a nuisance and now my feet are cold and everything is getting wet.
Michigan Avenue Before and After
Michigan Avenue was serene at about 6am this morning.
By 4pm it was back to normal - clogged with cars and pedestrians.
It could always be worse...
I spied this guy along with about six others dressed up in big foam ears trying to interest bored shoppers in a new mobile phone plan out on Michigan Avenue.
Don't get me wrong, reporting for Black Friday Watch has been a blast, but it's also been trying at times today. (I think I have frost bite on my toes.) Anyway, this guy reminds me that I shouldn't complain too much.
Ice rink before and after
Here's the ice rink at Millenium Park at about 6am this morning.
And here's the Boner resurfacing it with his Zamboni around 4pm today. If that doesn't make you cold...
Before
The tree before being lit
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
We are moments away from the 92nd annual lighting of the City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree. The Tree is in Daley Plaza and will be lit by Mayor Daley. The Plaza was named after his father, the former Mayor Daley.
The 85 foot tall Christmas tree is actually a series of 113 small Balsam Fir Trees.
Glass Blower 3
The Glass Blower is almost to the finished product.
The Glass Blowing exhibition and glasswares for display are highlighted in the Christkindlmarket (German Market)
Glass Blower 2
The Glass Artist does his thing
Glass Blower 1
The Glass Blower Heats up the product
I Finally Found Santa
Here's Santa, he is in his other house.
German Market
Christkindlmarket. The German Village situated in Daley plaza is a Holiday village with food, drink, candy, crafts, and artist creations.
The village has been a Chicago tradition since 1996. The set-up resembles Nurenberg dating back to 1545.
Christkindlmarket is open from Novemver 24 through December 22.
Back On Track
Train From Northwest Indiana to Downtown Chicago.
I took this for the second half of Black Friday.
I few holiday shoppers bording the "South Shore"
Starbucks: the good, the bad, the hungry
I have to say something about Starbucks – the corporate coffee giant does internet right in so far that their partnership with T-Mobile works flawlessly. Traveling around Chicago today I’ve stopped in at several different Starbucks and the internet access has worked great. Sadly, it is a pay service but T-Mobile provides several ways to get the service including a 24-hour unlimited plan for $9.99. In addition I haven’t had any problems locating seating near an outlet, so I don’t have to deplete my laptop batteries. That’s the good news.
Continue reading "Starbucks: the good, the bad, the hungry" »
American Girl Hates America?
Not being an 8-year-old girl I didn't know much about the Mattel line of pricy dolls before I moved to Chicago.
Founded in the 80s and bought by Mattel in 1998 the American Girl company produces 18” dolls for girls – many with a historical connection. The store is a big draw for out-of-towners shopping in Chicago. As one female shopper at nearby Marshall Field’s mentioned, “The American Girl store is definitely a destination.”
Oh No
More than half way to the finish line. What an experience. Time flies when others are spending money.
After viewing shoppers for more than five hours I stopped home for a rest and a bite to eat and what do I come across, but mounds of shopping bags and items that I have never seen before.
It seems that others in the house have gone to a different shopping galaxy than the one where I spent the morning and took advantage of some deals of their own.
No one is immune to this shopping bug.
You Really Can't Do That
Security at the mall finally put an end to my photo session. I was ready leave anyway.
After wandering around for a few hours speaking to and taking shots of all sorts of people and places, two security officers asked me not to take any more photos.
They were pleasant about the situation and basically answered my questions for me. They wouldn’t pose for a shot either. This made them nervous to even respond to it. “No, no, no more pictures thank you sir, enjoy the day.”
The two walked away from me faster than I from them.
Santas Shack
Santa's Stately Manor
I Just Want To Leave
Cars attempting exit the parking lot
Coming and Going
Shoppers Continuously Going In and Out of Stores
The Unglamorous Side Of Shopping
Radio and Shopping
Love is Live
V103 DJ Ramonski Love provides some live feeds on the air from River Oaks.
Marshall Field's: finally some shoppers!
Things were much more lively by 9:30 this morning. In front of Marshall Field's on State Street crowds gathered around the store's famous window displays.
I cornered one of the Salvation Army bell ringers and asked about the crowd. "The crowds are hyped," he said in-between rings. That was sort of a vague so motioning toward his bucket I asked him how the donations were so far. He frowned, "That's a little slow."
Inside the store was moderately busy as people pressed pass each other. One salesperson theorized that most of Chicago decided to have a big breakfast before hitting the stores and noted that the store had grown, "significantly busy in the last half an hour." He also shot down my theory that the cold would keep shoppers away. "Are you kidding? This IS Chicago."
Outside I saw a lonely busker playing Christmas tunes on his sax. The buskers have definitely been slow to appear this morning.
Watch for my in-depth report on Field's later today.
On The Air
Country Station US 99 sets up shop for a remote broadcast in Calumet City, Ill. In the River Oaks parking lot.
Just A Little Rest, Please
In Bloom
It's Not The Holidays without Poinsettias
In Bloom
It's Not The Holidays without Poinsettias
Sale
Nothing says a sale like a sale.....Nine times
Sale
Nothing says a sale like a sale.....Nine times
We All Need Rest
Even Santa Has To Rest After A Day Like This
Up Above
Christmas Banners
The Pace
Nearly four hours into the shopping day and the pace has slowed down to a leisurely flow. I like it this way. I don’t like to fear for my safety from a runaway shopper.
The gung-ho deal shoppers have rummaged through their chosen stores and have swiped every deal that was available. Now the people are enjoying themselves doing more window shopping than anything else.
It took a little while, or I didn’t notice it at first, but the Christmas music is now being pumped through the mall’s (River Oaks) audio system.
This really makes the holiday season official now.
Always Somewhere To Wait
We just Can't wait.
This store opened a little later than some of the others (River Oaks Shopping Center: Calumet, IL)
Too Heavy To Carry
There is just too much in the bags for these two shoppers to carry
I Was Robbed
All Full
Pushing capacity in the parking lot at River Oaks Shopping Center in Calumet City, Il
Where's Santa
Santa is not at his photo post. Where is he? Of course, he is off taking advantage of the deals today.
50 Ways To Thrive
This morning I ducked into a Michigan Avenue Starbucks to post a few entries here at Black Friday Watch using the store’s T-Mobile Hotspot.
A guy sitting two seats over chuckles, “You know there may be a few places to shop around here.” Glancing out the window toward the Apple Store I replied, “Oh yeah, this place could use a few more stores.”
Sensing an interview opportunity, I looked the guy over. He was a seemingly normal fellow – middle aged with thick hair graying around the temples. At his feet were half a dozen shopping bags. Bingo, I thought – I’ve stumbled upon my elusive prey, the Black Friday shopper.
Nada, nothing, zilch...
The city has finally woken up a little, but the shoppers are few and far between. Touring through the Chicago's downtown Loop, Marshall Field's seems to be the retailer of choice. I've seen the historic store's ubiquitous green bags in the gloved hands of shivering shoppers all around. Obviously most of Chicago has decided to hit snooze and pull the blankets over their heads this frigid morning. At the corner I spoke with two women who had just shopped at Field's. "I thought the crowds would be worse, but the cold is definitely keeping people away." It'll be interesting to see the sales figures for Chicago retailers after Black Friday 2005 is wrapped up - unless things improve later in the day this going to be a slow start to the shopping season.
I can sleep tomorrow
The sun has been in the sky for awhile now and it already seems like the day is half over with all the activity so far. These shoppers are intense. I wonder if they are as motivated in their daily lives?
I asked one shopper what brings her out this early. She said, “The deals man, it is the deals. You can’t pass up these deals. The stores do a good job of advertising and the media brainwashes you. I was starting to get more excited each day as it got closer.”
“I’ve been up since 3:00 a.m.. I can sleep tomorrow. Plus, I get a lot of my shopping done early.”
Dressed and ready to go
Catch'em While You Can
Jeni is opening a novelties stand in a suburban Chicago mall. She is setting up items and is getting ready for customers.
“My boss wanted to make sure we are open while the people are in the mall,” states Jeni. “So far only a few people have stopped to look at anything. Most of the people seem to be in a hurry to get to the next store.”
“I was the first stand to open, I got here at six. Now the others around are starting to open. I guess we all have to open early to catch some of these shoppers.”
No Time To Eat
The stores are full but, the food court is empty. Who has time to eat?
Food Court at the River Oaks Shopping Center in Calumet City, IL
No Time To Eat
The stores are full but, the food court is empty. Who has time to eat?
Food Court at the River Oaks Shopping Center in Calumet City, IL
Struck Out
You have to at least give it a try.
“I struck out. I came an hour after the store (JC Penney) opened and they were sold out of the clothes that I was looking for,” said one unhappy shopper named Sue. “I sometimes think that they advertise things that are not really here just to get me in the store. At the price shown in the sale ad, I had to try.”
On to the next store.
Struck Out
You have to at least give it a try.
“I struck out. I came an hour after the store (JC Penney) opened and they were sold out of the clothes that I was looking for,” said one unhappy shopper named Sue. “I sometimes think that they advertise things that are not really here just to get me in the store. At the price shown in the sale ad, I had to try.”
On to the next store.
The Way To Travel
This little one is traveling in style. But, all she is thinking is...why so early?
So cold... so alone...
Here's some advice for Chicagoans wishing to take in Millenium Park without fighting the crowds: Visit the new park at 6:45 on a frigid morning. I circled through the park and had the place all to myself - well, with the exception of the park security who staff the place around the clock. I spoke to several of them about shopping, the cold and the park. In between frosty breaths one guard commented from under a full ski mask, "I don't care about shopping. You know... it's about family. That's what I care about."
Not For The Weak
This early shopping the day after Thanksgiving is not for the weak. With dollar signs in their eyes and serious discounts on their minds, the rabid shoppers are searching for the ultimate deals. Make sure that you are not standing in the way.
Inside
Inside the Best Buy in Lansing, IL. Checking-out
Front of the line
The line rushes in as the doors open at this suburban Chicago Best Buy