MOUNT VERNON — Will Black Friday put retailers in the black or will it make them see red? That is a question on a lot of people’s minds these days. The traditional day-after-Thanksgiving shopping rush is something that may finally put many retailers on the profit side of the ledger for the first time all year. Even if it is not that drastic a situation, most retailers do depend on the post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas shopping blitz to make it a good year financially.
Because of the bad economy this year and dire predictions of a dreadful Christmas shopping season many retailers have started their holiday shopping sales early this year, looking to lure customers in with great deals and hoping the holiday spirit loosens some wallets and pocketbooks.
But, although it may not be a banner year for holiday sales, it may not turn out to be as bad as predicted by some. Tradition is strong with many people and shopping tradition might be the strongest of all.
For many, like Brenda Dalton, holiday shopping is also the highlight of her year. In fact, she planned to attend the early openings of some local stores today.
“I love it,” she said. “My friend and I have been (going to the early openings) for 16 years now.”
The local JCPenney store was scheduled to open at 4 a.m. today. There were seven people lined up in the store’s vestibule at 3:30 this morning and many more sitting in their cars waiting for the doors to open. Store manager Larry Holston actually opened the doors at about 3:45.
“So far we’re holding our own,” he said about this year’s shopping season. “In these trying economic times, I’m surprised we’re doing as well as we are doing. I think our advantage is we offer the customer a lot of value and that they see it and come in to shop.”
There were a number of different reasons those hardy shoppers were up before the crack of dawn to wait in line. Some had more specific things they were looking for and most had a general idea of what they wanted.
“I’m here to get the good sales throughout the year,” said Holly Kochis. “I’m probably going to be spending as much (this year) because I have a daughter now.”
Kochis had a few general things in mind and was planning to see what the best bargains were.
“I’m looking for pants and clothes,” she explained. “I’m looking for things that are cheaper than any other time of the year.”
Rebecca Johnson also was looking for bargains in general.
“I’m here to get the deals,” she said. “I’m shopping for my fiancé and my son. I’m looking for clothes. I’m probably going to spend more this year.”
Some of those waiting in line had something specific in mind. John McMillan was in line with a flier in hand.
“I’m looking for this diamond necklace,” he explained. “I called and they told me they had one.”
Johnson said he had priced the same necklace last year at a JCPenney in Columbus and it was almost three times the price then.
“That’s why I’m here early,” McMillan added. “They only have one at this store.”
Almost all of those taking advantage of the early opening were optimistic and planned to spend about as much as they did last year. Although a small sample of early shoppers intent on finding bargains and spending money doesn’t assure a banner sales year for retailers, it might not turn out to be as bad as expected.
