BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Black Friday got off to a frenzied start — and shoppers across the region wasted no time hitting the stores early.
“Skincare and makeup, probably getting my dog a Christmas something, a Christmas present,” said Scarlett Kyer, a nine-year-old Summersville resident.
While there may not be many people in the mall on a regular shopping day, Black Friday patronage for the stores and vendors increased exponentially.
“To be able to keep businesses going and also provide hard-working people, especially in really tough times, a break too, and give them some really good deals is a win-win for both situations,” Beckley Resident Margaret Dangerfield said.
Everyone was looking to score big, from electronics to toys, and many committed to arriving early and staying patient.
It’s a longtime family affair to visit the mall the day after Thanksgiving and see what they can find.
“We got here at 6:30 this morning,” said Mullens Resident Robin Cannady. “It’s busy, the lines are long — but it’s a tradition; we love it, we do it every year.”
Jonathan Braxton was in the Mountain State visiting his girlfriend for the holidays and had his sights set on Auntie Anne’s.
“Basketball shoes, maybe like a t-shirt,” the Bolivia, North Carolina resident said. “I want to see Santa.”
This is Reagan’s first Black Friday. Mom Margaret is easing her into it, but the nine-year-old already has a wish list.
“A vanity to go at my dad’s, because I have one at my mom’s, a skateboard, mermaid tail, lotion, skincare, makeup, nails, a lot,” said Reagan.
Despite the lure of Black Friday, many are finding it more costly.
“Worse, yeah,” North Carolina resident Diana Powell said, adding that she did not
expect it to be easy to find what she wanted for a reasonable price point. “Just keep looking, get the best deals you can get.”
