Remember when stores used to open on Thanksgiving evening, and shoppers would skip turkey dinners just to grab a deal on a big-screen TV?
Thank goodness, COVID put an end to that madness.
Instead, Black Friday has encompassed an entire month. I swear I got my first this-is-the-best-sale-ever emails in October. Today is the traditional Cyber Monday, followed by Giving Tuesday.
Holiday shopping is big business.
Holiday sales in the Cleveland metro area are forecasted to total $5.48 billion, shrinking 4.4% from the $5.73 billion spent last year, according to a joint forecast from the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and the University of Cincinnati’s Economics Center.
But remember, it’s the thought that counts. - Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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Black Friday and, to a lesser extent, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday are still expected to be huge shopping days in 2023. (David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com) |
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Holiday sales: An estimated 182 million people are expected to shop in store or online between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, reports Sean McDonnell. The National Retail Federation’s estimate is up considerably from the 166 million shoppers last year and would mark the highest total since the organization began tracking numbers in 2017. Overdose deaths: The Cuyahoga County medical examiner’s office is projecting that by year’s end, 726 people will have died of overdoses. Olivia Mitchell reports that would be one of the highest single-year totals in two decades and would be just shy of the 2017 record. |
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THC: The Ohio Legislature could rein in limits to THC amounts in recreational marijuana. Laura Hancock reports that Ohio lawmakers have the power to amend and even repeal sections of the adult-use cannabis statute voters approved earlier this month and likely will consider whether to alter the potency of marijuana flower and extracts. |
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Donation record: The 34th annual Meadows Turkey Bowl hauled in an astounding $637,000 in its Thanksgiving charity pickup football game in Medina County this year. Marc Bona reports that the game has now brought in more than $4M in donations since its inception. Kindland: After spending months reporting on acts of kindness taking place across Northeast Ohio, Peter Chakerian looks back and takes some time to reflect on the individuals and organizations he’s highlighted in this series. "Dad Bods" calendar: A new 2024 calendar will help feed a good cause. Molly Walsh reports that “Dad Bods of Cleveland” costs $20, what it costs for Meals on Wheels to feed on senior resident for one day, with the proceeds of each sale going to the charity. |
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Drug shortage: A nationwide shortage of Adderall and other ADHD drugs expected to last through 2024, reports Julie Washington. High demand including increased access to the medication via telehealth to people with long COVID-19 using ADHD drugs — is making the situation worse. Wired for good: Did you know that the gift of giving can extend to your own health? Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports more on biological basis of human altruism. |
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Downtown shooting: Two teens were left wounded following a shooting involving juveniles shortly after the conclusion of the holiday tree lighting festivities at Public Square. Pete Krouse reports two suspects are in custody. Drug charges: An Akron man is facing federal charges that he allegedly had 10 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 2 pounds of fentanyl pills mailed to a home. Terrance Rucker is charged in federal court in Cleveland with conspiracy to distribute and attempted possession of methamphetamine, Adam Ferrise reports. Lawsuit settled: Cuyahoga County will pay a former jail inmate $75,000 in connection with two beatings and botched medical treatment, Adam Ferrise reports. The settlement with Corey Sanders must be approved by Cuyahoga County Council before it becomes official. |
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House of the Week: It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a summer home or a year-round residence, this 2,500-square-foot home in Huron boasts easy access to a beach, park and much more. Joey Morona has all the details. Classic eats: Created out of a happy accident, Reporter Pete Chakerian waxes poetic about the beloved Northeast Ohio treat known as the Snoogle. 5 for Friday: Pete Chakerian speaks with Northeast Ohio native, and Nashville recording artist Anna Scott, who shares some of the things she misses about Northeast Ohio’s food scene. Cyber deal: Planning to attend the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland next year? If so, Marc Bona reports there will be a Cyber Monday special on tickets which includes both basic and VIP packages. |
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California man accused of laundering money for nationwide scam targeting elderly, including Wellington resident Read more Dollar Bank robbed in Mentor, police searching for suspect Read more Ohioans hit food banks in record numbers Read more NE Ohio police warn parents of new iPhone feature Read more Parma Heights daycare worker convicted for kicking toddler to be sentenced Monday Read more |
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