Every year, people prepare for cheap deals and huge savings— but does Black Friday really deserve the hype? Countless hours of waiting for deals that might not be so cheap and crowded stores, fuming with loads of frantic customers, may have driven some people away. Could the biggest shopping day of the year actually be overpraised?

For many shoppers, Black Friday feels like another tradition. Stores open early and offer their crazy prices to the community. People crave the excitement of a money-saving deal that they believe is the best thing they have ever seen. Individuals purchase random and not-so-random things that may end up costing us more than expected. Companies see this and use it to their advantage, building up antipatcion weeks before it actually happens. Black Friday has now shifted from being about the financial aspect to being more about the experience.

Some people argue that Black Friday is no longer as spectacular as it once was. “I feel like it’s just a day where companies can get more money after Thanksgiving,” said freshman Giana Bruny. Since Black Friday falls near the holidays and people like to give each other gifts, many believe it’s the perfect time to spend their money, as there are often sales. Realistically, it’s sometimes seen as a plea for more cash. “I think the prices are a scam. I believe they could do a bigger sale. I feel like, with how big companies are, that a 70% sale rather than a 40% sale wouldn’t affect them that much, because more people would give money quicker,” Bruny said.

Many shoppers enter Black Friday hoping to save money, but often end up spending more than they planned. Stores use ads and signs to highlight the benefits of their deals and convince people they’re saving. “Shoppers could save money on Black Friday, but generally speaking, people end up spending more because they’re captured by the marketing that’s influenced . . . they’re influenced by the deals that they really need this thing, and they end up spending more outside their budget,” teacher Duvall stated. What starts as budget-friendly can quickly turn into overspending; the hype and mania blind people to seeing deals for what they are: strategy.

Although discounts may not be the greatest, people still value the event. Going shopping with family or friends can heighten the enjoyment and excitement as people line up to buy items. However, others say it’s not worth it because they think that they could get a good deal, but in reality, they can wait one more month and get 10% more off during Christmas sales. It’s fun, but it can quickly get out of control.

Whether Black Friday is really worth it or not, it depends on the individual. Some people couldn’t care less about the deals and want to shop, while others forget the prices attached to items. “You should make a budget and stick to the budget. Tell yourself I’m only going to spend X dollars in advance,” Duvall gives students advice. Although there can be pros and cons, ensuring you have good intentions with the money you’re spending is all that matters.