Well folks, we made it through another Black Friday. Of course, now Cyber Monday is looming ahead. This year's holiday shopping season is already fascinating (to me anyway). Kohls' opening at 4 am Friday morning was a little shocking. I suspect that even if only a few people showed up in the middle of the night that the company got more than its money's worth through word of mouth advertising. I'm sure we weren't the only people who talked about it around the Thanksgiving table.

Kohls' move made me think that other retailers are missing opportunities. If Kohls can open at 4, maybe a Best Buy or Circuit City could open at bar time. Thanksgiving is actually a very busy bar night - get these potential customers right when they walk out the door, not when they finally wake up the next morning or afternoon. And besides, drunks not only have loose lips, they have loose wallets. Retailers should give the drinkers something to do other than head for the nearest Taco Bell.

Speaking of Taco Bell, why can't a franchise like that run a contest to "sponsor" a Black Friday shopper? They could outfit some poor soul standing in line for a $300 laptop (with printer!) with a camping chair, cooler and all the Gorditas they can eat (although, wouldn't right-thinking people rather have Potato Oles instead?).

Anyway, I'd like to get an idea of what kind of consumers our readers are (don't worry - we're not trying to sell you anything, I'm just nosey ;-).