Did you survive Black Friday? If you did venture out to the malls on Black Friday, did it feel like you were living an episode of “Survivor?”We may laugh, but pushing, shoving and trampling can be the order of the hour on Black Friday. Many people have suffered cuts, bruises and even death on the biggest shopping day of the year ñ all for a great deal on an Easy Bake Oven or the latest Harry Potter DVD.The good news about Black Friday is that retail sales were up 7 percent over last year, according to a survey by ShopperTrak. Buyers spent a whopping $11.4 billion, the largest amount in history and about $1 billion more than last year. Even for the unemployed and struggling, this is good news ñ folks are out buying, which is a boost to the economy. It helps everyone.This is the time of year we tend to think about helping others. We help by donating our time, money and food to those in need. Itís the time when those of us who can, do. Whatever we do, no matter how little or how much, helps everyone in our community.Black Friday shoppers out stimulating the economy last week were most importantly making the community stronger. Buying from our stores, eating at our restaurants, utilizing the services of our small businesses makes us stronger. This is something weíve always known at The New Falcon Herald ñ our local businesses keep our newspaper alive. There are not enough words to express how much we appreciate our advertisers, and we hope you will purchase their products and services. It will make all of us stronger.To our readers and our advertisers, we appreciate you and wish you a very happy holiday season. The NFH will be on the stands again Jan. 7, the beginning of our ninth year. We look forward to continuing to bring the community news to you, our valued neighbors. Have a happy and safe New Year!– Deb, Michelle and the NFH team
