Black Friday Addendum

I feel it necessary to comment on my original Black Friday post. I thought the Black Friday consumeristic phenomenon was funny up until today when I heard the two terrible news death stories from yesterday's shopping frenzy.


Walmart employee stampeded to death during Black Friday shopping mayhem. The NYT describes:

Suddenly, witnesses and the police said, the doors shattered, and the shrieking mob surged through in a blind rush for holiday bargains. One worker, Jdimytai Damour, 34, was thrown back onto the black linoleum tiles and trampled in the stampede that streamed over and around him.

Two die in Toys R US shooting. The AP reports:

Two men pulled guns and shot each other to death in a crowded toy store Friday after the women with them erupted into a bloody brawl, witnesses said.

What is wrong with people? Are we really this greedy in America? People in other nations fight for food and peace and political representation. We fight for Furbies, Tickle-Me Elmos, Webkinz, and Guitar Hero. Disgusting.

Pointless Banter captures the sentiment just right: from blood diamonds to Walmart toys, If nobody died in the procurement of my gift I don’t want it

Nothing like a little bloodshed to make our 'valuables' more valuable.

Walmart Plays Dress Up With Its Logo

According to Brand New, Walmart recently changed their logo. While I like the new look better, I would have to say that it doesn't fit their 'brand' quite as well. The old one was bold and dominant that said, "We're Wal-mart. Shop here, or else..."


The new lighter color, softer font, and strange starburst thing seems something more like a logo for a tech company or sleek eco-friendly biz. It doesn't say "Come here and buy my cheap goods because I pushed everyone else out and now you have no choice but to buy my subpar products."

But to be fair, I guess that's the idea---Walmart wants to separate itself from its increasing ugly public profile. My question is: Does changing their logo really send consumers a different message (even if only subconsciously)? Or is changing their image a futile attempt at reclaiming a negative public sentiment that will always equate Walmart with steamrollers and blood-thirsty ogres?

Why a Walmart Wedding?

Ok, this is ridiculous. A couple got married between the aisles of a Wal-mart store on Saturday in Ohio. What kind of crazy people want to get married in the very store that they work and shop in? Is this brainwashing? Did Walmart pipe fairy dust through the vents? Why do people treat retail outlets like holy sanctuaries? I have a real problem with this.

They should've gone for Vegas and an imitation Elvis.

The story on Yahoo News.