The holiday season has only sort of started, and some of the losers are already clear. That may sound harsh, but Black Friday (and the months of November and December in general) seem to amplify mistakes being made both by retailers and shoppers.
Most companies that head into Black Friday needing a good season to validate a turnaround have a chance. The retailers that have been stumbling badly for a long time almost never find new life during the busiest shopping time of the year, and people who make bad financial choices almost never change their habits as the holidays approach.
Some retailers may be hanging this sign permanently after the holiday shopping season. Image source: Getty Images.