HOLIDAY: Lost in the cash grab

Thanksgiving 2012 exposed the greed of corporate America. By using a holiday that originated from Abraham Lincoln’s attempt to unite the American family giving thanks for the year’s prosperity, corporate greed has diminished the meaning of this treasured holiday.

Thanksgiving day started with Kmart opening their doors at 6 a.m. with Walmart and many others kicking off their sales at 8 p.m. Their response to public and employee outcries was that they were starting a new holiday tradition of the family shopping experience. These actions can only be perceived as an attack on the working class as most retail employees work for part-time minimum wage with little or no benefits.

To force employees to work on this traditional family holiday is an American tragedy as this holiday allows all Americans, rich or poor, to share in the American dream. The new “shopping experience” exposes consumer greed as thousands wait in line for days to take advantage of discounted products trading one holiday for another. This “shopping experience” has led to a mob-like mentality as consumers rush in for specific limited-time sales events targeting the working class. Studies have shown more consumers are holiday shopping for themselves which is proven by the sales of electronics and 50-inch flat screens. If the success of a retailer’s year is based on what sales take place during the holiday shopping season why can’t they use these marketing strategies year-round?

With our economy based on consumer sales it is important for consistent monthly retail numbers, not just a holiday splurge. Consumer debt exploding during the holiday months only leads to a sales downturn in the following months. Should these holiday marketing strategies be applied year-round it would provide stable profitability which would lead to higher wages and loyal-happy employees showing greater corporate responsibility. Bring back Thanksgiving!

KENT VOTAW

Spokane Valley