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photo by Ashley McCartney
Gift wrapping: Jessie Bradley of Clanton wraps a gift for a customer at Wright Drugs and Gift Shop. Even during the Black Friday rush, the store’s employees found time to put a personal touch on every sale.
Dealing with the rush
Shoppers turn out early to find deals on Black Friday
Published Friday, November 28, 2008
After a long morning of waiting out in the cold for stores to open their doors, customers were finally permitted to flock to the sales shelves. Many store managers in local businesses were amazed to find customers literally running through their stores to find the best deals for their holiday shopping.
Wal-Mart’s store manager, Elrod Tyson, said there were hundreds of people waiting at the door as early as 5 a.m. waiting to save money from early morning sales.
Many stores opened early to help those early bird shoppers who were awake at the crack of dawn, just to beat other people to the items on their families’ Christmas lists. Many of the top items being brought during Black Friday were electronic devices including televisions and the new Nintendo game system Wii.
Stores including Wal-Mart, Bennett’s and Wright Drugs and Gift Shop prepared for yesterday by bringing in extra people, which were more than needed as people retrieved their goods and headed for the checkout lines.
“Things have been pretty busy here today, especially having to stop and wrap gifts for people,” said Jessie Bradley, a cashier at Wright Drugs and Gift Shop.
— Ashley McCartney can be reached at ashley.mccartney@clantonadvertiser.com.
Comments
Posted by kwsrgraves (Steven Graves) on November 29, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Runnig through stores to buy TVs, toys, or clothes is just plain STUPID! Guess the family of the person killed in another Wal-Mart would agree. But, you can't cure stupidity.
Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on November 29, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wouldn't go near a store on that day for anything. Actually I do most of my shopping over the internet. I get great deals and its delivered to my door, which for a disabled person like myself is just perfect! And no crowds running me over.
Posted by kdnichols (Ken Nichols) on November 29, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why can't the stores offer the savings all day and
not for just a specified number of hours? The stores
want the busy and this would eliminate the rush.
Posted by kwsrgraves (Steven Graves) on November 29, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Because, people are greedy. Stores capitalize on that greed. It's the impact theory. If a bee slowly flew up and gently landed on your arm, then, slowly stuck the stinger in, you, probably, wouldn't even notice. But, the hard fly in with a pop let's you know you've been hit. It makes a big impact. Same with 5am sales. Sales all month long would make one forget soon. But offered for a couple of hours on green friday, makes a huge spike in sales. It's dangerous and fiscally irresponsible on the consumer's part. Usually, the same Chinese made junk is on sale again in two weeks.
Posted by THORSBYishome (anonymous) on November 29, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally I just love shopping on this day and I HATE to shop. I only like this day because of some of the good deals you get and I do like crowds. But some folks are crazy and you do have to watch out.
But you really have to watch it not all deals are good deals that's why it helps to plan ahead to see where you need to go first.
I didn't go this year, I can't see the point in spending the money right now, it's just not safe. Christmas has gotten way out of hand and away from the true meaning. Kids are spoiled in todays world and they usually don't appreciate what they already have.
I believe that things will go down in a week or so because the stores I don't believe will do as well this season.
Posted by KTisallred (anonymous) on November 29, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't think it was that bad. Honestly, I enjoyed my Black Friday shopping, but for major ticket items, I just buy online.
Posted by PrAaHe (anonymous) on November 30, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i usually try to do all my shopping online. You can usually find deals just as good on sites like Amazon, and you dont have to fight anyone for them.
Posted by steve42 (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So, how many of you online shoppers report your online purchases made with no sales tax on your tax returns? Inquiring minds (and the Alabama Department of Revenue) want to know.
Posted by getbizi (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wait a minute!!! I thought we were in a recession? Oh yeah, I forgot everyone buys everything on credit. Heehee!!
Posted by kwsrgraves (Steven Graves) on December 1, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've been buying online since 1995, when I started buying car parts. And, I have never seen a question in the Alabama tax code about online purchases. But, as soon as the State can, they will stop progress. My family calls me scrooge. I call it being thrifty. They say I am no fun because I don't go shopping with them. I say, I am lot's more fun at work. Funny how they don't get up at 3:00am Monday thru Saturday and most Sundays to see me off and waite patiently till I get home after dark. But I guess shopping is easier and more safe. Just ask Wal-Mart employees at Christmas.
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