Black Friday: A Reflection on American Consumerism

By: Cristin Popelier

 

The day after the Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.  It officially marks the start to the Christmas Shopping season.  This year, news reports showcased lines of people waiting overnight to get the best gift of the season, like X-Box 360, at "door busting" prices.  It is called Black Friday because it brings the stores out of the red ink and into the black and it is one of the busiest days, as it related to heavy store (and automobile) traffic.  While some shoppers catch a thrill from the realization of finding the best present for that special person, others revel in the fact they saved $100's of dollars. 

 

Skipping the lines, the mall, and the parking lots, while trading it in for the small, quaint shops of Benzie County, is one way to overcome the stress of Holiday shopping.  Come on a journey with me as I stretch my dollar and support the local businesses of Benzie County

A view of Downtown Beula at the Christmas lights first twinkle.

The first stop on the trip is the quaint towns of Beulah and Benzonia.  A small farm a bit off the beaten path, called Creations Farm, carries the palm oil for the soap I am making for Christmas presents.  The Lavender and Oatmeal hand made bar soap should be appreciated by all of the people on my list.

 

Next, a stop at Gwen Frostic Prints, home of the original block prints created by the Northern Michigan Naturalist and Writer.  Ever since my childhood, when my Grandma gave me the Gwen Frostic book, Multiplicity, her books have fascinated me with their beauty and artistry.  Christmas Cards, a stamp that will be use to decorate soapboxes, and a nicely bound photo album for my Fiancé, Brian is among the special finds from Gwen's collection. 

 

The Benzie Area Historical Museum, hosting the Festival of Trees, allows for a short shopping break before heading around the corner to the Cherry Hut to purchase some cherry products for the Michigan baskets I make for my parents.  Some of the local items included in the Michigan baskets this year are the Cherry Marinara Sauce and Apple Jam, from the Fresh Food Partnership fundraiser, Eden Organic Pasta, Stonehouse Bread, Grocer's Daughters Chocolate and a pound of Higher Grounds Coffee.  If you have any suggestion on what should be included in the Michigan baskets this season please email me using the comment button at the bottom of the page!

The sidewalk was busy out in front of Suvi on Black Friday.

Heading south into downtown Frankfort, the store Suvi Boutique, where Arts meet Home and Beauty, catches my eye.  The exquisite shawls and gloves will make great presents for Mom and Grandma. Next, while visiting the Olsen-Sayles Co., gift toppers like a Petoskey stone, a frog magnet, a candle, and cookie cutters find their way into the basket.  Taking a quick break at the Crescent Bakery for a Cherry and Cheese Croissant, while the sun is shining, proves worthwhile.  Stopping for a walk with my dogs at the Railroad Point Natural Area, overlooking Crystal Lake, rounds out the journey. 

 

Making my way back home up US-31, smiling inside, I pass through the small towns in Benzie County, Frankfort, Benzonia, Beulah, and Honor. I breathe a sigh of relief while passing the mall and Best Buy because there were no lines, no over-stuffed parking lots, and no stress to speak of in Benzie. It was a great experience.  I recommend that you too take a tour of the small towns in Benzie County to see if you can find that perfect gift for the special people on your list.

 

For some, like my future in-laws, it is a tradition to wake up at 4 am and hurry out to Wal Mart or Jo Ann's to stand in line to get those "door busting" prices that cause our American Consumerist notions to over ride our more sensible beliefs about the spirit of the holiday season.  Others like myself prefer a strong locally based, small town, relaxing shopping experience where our gifts reflect the spirit of our local culture and the holiday season. 

 

Cristin Popelier, a recent transplant to Traverse City, is an agricultural economist and planner working with LIAA.