90’s Throwback: Black Friday 1996

Ah, the ‘90s. The era of bucket hats, butterfly clips, the first Macintosh computers, “Friends,” and phones made for the sole purpose of actually making calls. A lot has changed in the decades since, and Black Friday is no exception.

Though the biggest sale day of the year has always drawn hearty crowds of savings-hungry shoppers, the craze of the holiday has increased tenfold in the past two decades. What was once a day of wildly low prices on the year’s most-wanted items is now a cultural phenomenon spanning an entire week, with its cousin Cyber Monday immediately following.

black friday deals 2016

 

In 1996, we could watch the morning news broadcast live interviews with those few dedicated shoppers camped outside of electronics stores, determined to be the first to grab one of a limited stock of coveted Macintosh computers or Nintendo 64s. 

This year, we’ll scroll through Twitter to see online versions of local news broadcasts showing interviews with scores of similar dedicated Black Friday veterans, though they’re more likely to be awaiting a chance to snag a new 50-inch TV, or an Apple product exponentially more advanced than that of its ’96 predecessors.

To see just how much things have really changed, check out this list of comparisons between Black Friday ads and sales in 1996 to projected Black Friday ads in 2016.

Electronics

Not only did technology — and the world — not come to a screeching halt in the year 2000, but the world’s fascination with and reliance upon technological innovation has increased tenfold in the years since.  

Aside from the aforementioned Macintosh desktop, some of the other biggest electronics buys in ’96 were the 1.2 GB hard drive ($220 after rebate); the Motorola flip phone (free with contract); the Walkman (between $15 and $60); the 4MB memory upgrade ($30); 28.8 kbps modem ($280); 13-inch TV with built-in VCR ($300); CD Rom drive ($150); pagers ($70); and the Packard Bell desktop computer ($1,467 after rebate).

Black Friday 1996 vs. Black Friday 2016

This year’s list of most-wanted tech items looks pretty similar to that from 1996, though much more advanced. Although most Black Friday 2016 ads aren’t live yet, there are some predictions based on previous years and current sales. According to TheBlackFriday.com, one of the hottest items on sale at Best Buy right now is the LG 55-inch 4K Ultra Smart HD TV, which may also be a Black Friday favorite. In 1996, we could barely fathom a smart TV, let alone an ultra-smart one. Also, some Black Friday aficionados are suggesting drones will be a big hit this year, though these are a bit of a wild card.

 

black friday deals on TVs

 

Games

Games, too, are traditionally a huge draw for Black Friday shoppers. In 1996, besides the Nintendo 64, the Sega Saturn was a major deal, selling for $200. The Super Game Boy was advertised at $40, as were PlayStation games. And lest we forget, before there were smartphone apps like Pokémon Go, there was the Tamagotchi, which, in ’96, sold for just a few weeks’ allowance, or $15.

black friday deals on video games

This year, some Black Friday experts are suggesting the release of the Xbox One S and the rumored release of Sony’s PlayStation Neo, along with the discontinuation of Xbox 360s and Disney Infinity, will lead to major steals on gaming consoles. There are also a host of remastered video games about to be released, such as Bethesda, Call of Duty: Infinite, and Pokémon Sun and Moon, leading many to suggest that games will be a major Black Friday focal point.
black friday deals on xbox

Toys

Of course, no Black Friday would be complete without a mad dash to the toy aisle for the season’s most beloved toy. In 1996, the champions of children’s hearts everywhere were by far the Tickle Me Elmo doll and Beanie Babies. As for the latter, these were also a big hit with many teens and adults, rumored to gain significant value over time.

 

black friday toys

Today, some of the hottest toys of 2016, as named by Walmart, include the Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster, Razor Scooter, Paw Patrol Zooming Marshall, and the Sky Viper Streaming Drone. No word yet on which of these will be available for deep Black Friday discounts, but it’s likely the drone won’t be the only one flying off the shelves.

black friday deals on toys

Entertainment

When it comes to pop culture, though the faces have changed, our hunger for it has stayed the same. While most of us nowadays watch TV and movies from our computers or flat-screens, back in ‘96 the wide-screen TV marked the dawn of a new era. Some of the hottest Black Friday deals on movies included films like “Forrest Gump,” “True Lies,” and “Braveheart” available from $9.99 to $15.95—or about the price of one month’s subscription to Netflix. When it came to the still-popular VHS, some of the coolest buys were “Buffy,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Good Son” and “Alien Nation,” all on sale for $5.99 a piece.

Black Friday deals on DVDs 1996This year, predictions for some hot entertainment buys include DVDs of popular movies like “Anchorman 2”  and “Magic Mike XXL” on Blu-Ray for $9.72. You’ll also be able to grab titles like “The Walking Dead” and “True Detective”—full box sets for about $10 each.

Black Friday Deals on DVDs

Clearly, Black Friday has changed quite a bit over the past 20 years, but our love of shopping will never end.

 

Related Links:
Walmart Coupons
Walmart Black Friday Guide
Walmart Shopping Tips
Groupon Coupon Codes

Win a Tablet from P.C. Richard & Son

Win a Tablet from P.C. Richard & Son 2

blogheader_pcrichard

So you’ve stocked up on all the electronics your tech-savvy family and friends have placed at the top of their holiday wish lists this year. But we’re thinking you could use a little upgrade yourself. Enter to win a top-of-the-line HP Stream 7 Tablet from P.C. Richard & Son and fully integrate work and play in one super sleek device. The HP Stream 7 Tablet’s gorgeous HD display is perfect for your favorite kind of down time, whether it’s Netflix binging or online gaming.

Shop for kitchen appliances, TVs, laptops, and more at P.C. Richard & Son. With a large selection of discount appliances to match your home, plus free shipping offers, and affordable repair services, you’ll get over 100 years of reliable experience backed with Cash Back at Ebates.

Tablets are great devices for on-the-go tasks, and P.C. Richard & Son want to give away the HP Stream 7 Tablet to one lucky winner.

How To Enter The P.C. Richard & Son Tablet Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, visit us here and complete the free & simple signup: www.ebates.com. You’ll be on your way to saving money and earning Cash Back at over 1800 stores!

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Tuesday, December 09, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take advantage of P.C. Richard & Son sales and deals!

See All PC Richard & Son Coupons  Shop PC Richard & Son with 1.5% Cash Back

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook and Twitter!

Get $75 by Inviting 3 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.