Back in the Black

By Keith Raynor

The shoppers hit the stores even earlier than before.  Area stores were swamped for this year’s Black Friday.  The after Thanksgiving sales and deals were found throughout the Allegany County area.  Stores such as Wal- Mart opened its doors early on Thanksgiving Day.  Although there was talk of workers striking on the busiest shopping day of the year, Wal-Mart’s Black Friday event went off without a hitch.  Hungry bargain hunters lined up in the chilly weather and set their sights on this year’s sales event.

            Heather Preston, an Oldtown resident, braved the crowds to start her shopping.  When asked if she has a strategy for her shopping she said, “You have got to have a plan.”   “It is a little crazy to get up at 2 A.M. to go shopping,” said Preston.  The swarms of people that run through the stores to find their special gift often lack some etiquette.  “You turn into a different person on Black Friday,” Preston added.  The 26-year-old has shopped the event for many years.  She has traveled throughout the tri-state area to find the best deals.  Her shopping experience usually ends around 5 P.M. Friday afternoon.

            Online shopping for deals have also become popular with the masses.  Wendi Schillingburg makes use of the internet to complete her shopping.  Schillingburg said, “Why go out in that mess when you can do it from home.”  Avoiding crowded parking lots, mobs of people and long lines at the register are a few reasons why more people are logging on to shop during Black Friday.  “It’s definitely more convenient,” Schillingburg said.  As the shopping season goes into full swing, there are still many deals to have.  Cyber Monday also has a variety of deals and cheap prices geared towards the online shoppers.

            In a tough economy, retailers are hoping to bounce out of the red and into the black.  The extended shopping hours of many chain stores are another way that retailers are hoping to make the most out of a sub-par year.