North Dakota vs. Montana: Who’s Setting Their Alarms Earlier for Black Friday Deals?

Move over, turkey—North Dakota’s earliest online shoppers have their sights set on a different kind of feast: Black Friday bargains. According to a survey by Red Stag Fulfillment, these deal-seekers log on at an eye-watering 4:40 am to snag discounts.

Meanwhile, South Dakotans and Vermonters are apparently shopping in their pajamas at a jaw-dropping 1:00 am, and there’s Montana, where shoppers start at 2:20 am - leaving us all wondering if they even bother going to bed. Mississippi, on the other hand, seems to treat Black Friday as a brunch affair, with a leisurely start at 8:24 am.

Is it dedication? Is it caffeine? Or is it the sheer terror of missing out on that limited-stock doorbuster?

Black Friday Prep: The Art of War

For many, Black Friday isn’t just shopping—it’s strategy. Almost half of the surveyed shoppers (49%) begin planning a week ahead. That’s a lot of spreadsheets and bookmarked tabs for people who, let’s be honest, probably lose their car keys daily. Some overachievers (12%) start their game plan a month in advance.

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The Black Friday Emotional Rollercoaster

When asked to sum up their Black Friday experience in one word, 20% of North Dakotans went with "Exciting," while 17% settled on "Worthwhile." But let’s not forget the dark side: "Stressful" (14%), "Chaotic" (15%), and a solid "Exhausting" (12%) remind us that not all heroes wear capes—some wear sweatpants and clutch coffee at 4 am.

Internet Speed: The Real MVP

Nearly half (43%) of shoppers admitted they’ve lost out on deals due to slow internet. That buffering circle? It’s not just annoying—it’s a $200 TV slipping through your fingers. If you live in an area with poor connectivity, Black Friday might feel less like a shopping spree and more like a gladiatorial match against your Wi-Fi.

Why I’ve Never Woken Up for Black Friday Deals

While some North Dakotans and Montanans are setting alarms for 4:40 am and 2:20 am, I’ve never been part of the early-morning Black Friday crew.

Maybe I’m missing out on a world of discounts, but I’m perfectly content letting others fight for the best deals while I sip my coffee and enjoy my sleep. Black Friday can wait—I’ll catch up later.

RELATED ARTICLE: Top 5 Reasons to Shop Small Business Saturday in Williston, North Dakota