Remember when Black Friday meant people fighting at store entrances and camping out for deals? We dive into how one of America's biggest shopping traditions became a ghost town in just five years and what it reveals about how businesses must constantly evolve.

In this episode, we get nostalgic about our completely different Black Friday experiences. Brad loved the event getting up early, hitting Home Depot for tool deals, and making it a tradition. Steve? He watched the chaos on TV from his couch and wanted nothing to do with it. But here's the thing: whether you loved it or hated it, Black Friday as we knew it is dead.

We discuss how COVID accelerated a massive shift from in-store to online shopping, giving consumers the ultimate "easy button." But we're predicting the pendulum is about to swing back. Retailers will start using "in-store only" deals to drive foot traffic again. Free shipping and returns can't last forever the pricing models have to adjust. We break down what this means for your business and how you need to stay ahead of these shifts.

Plus, Brad shares his quest for a reasonably-priced outdoor TV (send recommendations!), and we talk about the generational tool gap younger folks don't even have basic wrenches and screwdrivers in their apartments anymore.

Highlights:

• The Easy Button Has Limits - We predict tiered pricing is coming because businesses can't keep giving away free shipping and returns forever.
• In-Store Exclusives Are Coming Back - We're calling it now: retailers will reverse course and use "in-store only" deals to get foot traffic back.
• Early Opening Times Return - Expect stores to go back to 6-7am openings as they compete for shoppers again.
• The Generational Tool Gap - Younger generations don't have basic tools anymore, creating both a skills gap and opportunities for the trades. This could be a great gift idea...

The market never stops moving. Consumer behavior shifts faster than ever. What worked five years ago doesn't work now and what works now might not work in two years.

Join us in the Blue Collar BS community where we discuss business evolution, market trends, and strategies for staying ahead of the curve. We host office hours Mondays & Wednesdays and offer one-on-one sessions Mondays & Wednesdays. Check out our website to connect with other trades professionals who are navigating the same challenges.

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Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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