Shoppers: why wait till black Friday?

By Mollie Halpern
Investigative Reporter
Published: November 27, 2008

Some of you have probably already had your big Thanksgiving day meals and are looking foward to working off those pounds tomorrow by hitting the stores.
Black Friday is a day many retailers have been anxiously awaitng with the economy in such bad shape.
Numbers from last month, show consumer spending—which accounts for two thirds of the country’s economic activity— dropped a full percentage point… the biggest drop since the 9-11 attacks seven years ago.
Orders for durable goods..a measure of spending by businesses.. dropped 6 point 2 percent in October—twice what economists had expected.
And while black Friday is always a big shopping day, some decided to start a day early in hopes of finding deals on hot holiday items without the crowds.
It’s 6:30 a.m…and at least a hundred people are waiting for K-mart to open its doors.
For them, the centerpiece of this Thanksgiving isn’t the bird—it’s the early bird specials.
“Good bargains yes indeed you can’t beat it getting out this early, it’s really worth it.“
The “Thanksgiving Day Only’ sales - coupled with the sluggish economy—even brought out those considered to be the most reluctant of shoppers—the men.
“Saving a little money, saving a little money.“
Others were following orders.
“I had to get out here at 3:30 this morning, my dad made me.“
Mollie asks, “Where’s your dad?“
“At home sleeping.“
Then, the moment these early risers were waiting for…
There were deep discounts on electronics so shoppers stuffed their carts with tv’s and more.
Guitar hero hit the right the note—it sold out for ps3 and Wii game systems.
And there used to be blu-ray players on this shelf but they, wii consoles, and gps systems all sold out within the first hour.
Store manager Jeff Tussey says *how* people are paying for those products is different this holiday season.
Cash is in—- credit cards are out.
And layaway is more popular than ever…
“I think our layaway has definitely helped,“ says Tussey.
No matter *how* shoppers pay…
It’s what they’ll *pay out* that has retailers wondering if they’ll have a happy holiday this year.
Shopper Julie Fowler says, “We decided this year in the family to draw names cause we have abig family instead of trying to buy for everybody because of the economy.“
So….with shoppers saying they’re more financially prudent…the biggest gift for them this holiday season are sales.
K-mart is open until nine tonight.
But- it isn’t the only major retailer open on Thanksgiving day.
For the first time ever, Wal-mart opened its location on route 220.
Although the store’s black Friday sale items weren’t on the floor yet—they are ready to be unveiled early tomorrow morning.
Wal-mart, which is the nation’s largest retailer, is among the few stores seeing sale increases—despite the poor economy.