Thanksgiving Sales Did Not Deter Black Friday Shoppers
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Even with stores like Wal-Mart and Target opening their doors on Thanksgiving, a lot of people still woke up early and stood in line on Black Friday.
New numbers from the National Retail Federation estimate that some 147-million Americans planned a Black Friday shopping trip, and now it's a weekend endeavor.
On a typical Black Friday, mall parking lots are packed before sunrise, but this year retailers are entering a new era.
Although many retailers opened their doors on Thanksgiving, Sue Gaffney says the Black Friday outing is a family tradition.
"We've been doing this for about 20 years, the day after Thanksgiving, my sister and I, and it's just a big family fun day for us."
The sisters added to the long lines forming at a J.C. Penney's store this morning at Stonebriar Mall.
The Plano based retailer recently eliminated sales, in favor of what it calls 'everyday low pricing.'
According to a company press release, the Black Friday sale is a once-a-year-event, and customers took advantage of it.
Mayank Parikh found "some good deals were here. Name brand. Good stuff."
Across North Texas, electronics, and brand name bargains were especially big draws.
"I was really looking for a coach purse, and I got it," said Maribel Rios, of the $259 handbag she found for just $80.
But, over the next few weeks, economists say retailers may be the big winners-- regardless of when shoppers hit the stores. Thanksgiving came early, which means there are more shopping days until Christmas. Last month, consumer confidence surged to its highest level in nearly five years.
The deals are not over yet. Many retailers are offering good deals throughout the weekend to keep shoppers coming back. Also, tomorrow is 'small business Saturday,' where communities are encouraged to patronize their own, close to home.
Even with stores like Wal-Mart and Target opening their doors on Thanksgiving, a lot of people still woke up early and stood in line on Black Friday.
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