Worthington retailers set for Black Friday

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WORTHINGTON — As families across the country are preparing turkeys and pumpkin pie, retailers are equally busy getting ready for Black Friday.

Black Friday is known as the busiest shopping day of the year. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2011, the typical shopper spent $398.62 on Black Friday, compared to $71.69 on an average day.

Locally, many department stores will be open longer hours and have additional sales.

“We will have lots of special prices,” said Deb Steinle, JCPenney manager, “with prices lower than ever. Black Friday is our only sale of the year.”

Stienle isn’t anticipating an early morning rush, however. “Our busiest time will probably be from 11 to 2 in the afternoon,” she said.

Wal-Mart will have regular hours, said store manager Jeff Fouch, but will be having kickoff sales at 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday and 5 a.m. Friday.

Fouch anticipates lines starting two to three hours in advance for some of the big-ticket items, especially electronics.

Many local business owners said they will be open regular business hours because they don’t usually get early morning crowds.

“We usually get a lot of people around 10 a.m. who don’t do the early morning shopping but who still like to go to smaller stores,” said Maria Thier, who owns Lit’l Wizards. “We’ll get an increase around noon and then stay steady the rest of the day.”

Lit’l Wizards will also be having storewide sales. “Everything will be 20 to 70 percent off,” Their said.

According to owner Amanda Walljasper-Tate, Schafer’s Health & Gifts will be open regular hours and offer sales on its antique, vintage and Christmas decor.

"We are also excited to have Tervis Tumblers availabel for the first time in Worthington and on sale on Black Friday," Walljasper-Tate said. "They are really popular and make great gifts."

Lit’l Wizards will also be having storewide sales. “Everything will be 20 to 70 percent off,” Their said.

According to owner Amanda Walljasper-Tate, Schafer’s Health & Gifts will be open regular hours and offer sales on its antique, vintage and Christmas decor.

Other businesses will treat Black Friday like a regular business day. Julie Dykema of The Picket Fence has distributed coupons to encourage customers to stop by, but said, “I’ll be staying in bed and opening at regular hours.”

Black Friday is traditionally aimed at retail, but other business also see an increase in sales.

“Black Friday isn’t really geared towards us, but we always see huge increase in customers,” BenLee’s owner Debbie Peterson said.

In addition to Black Friday, many local businesses will be participating in Small Business Saturday, hosted by American Express.

This annual event takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages people to shop locally and support their community.

Walljasper-Tate said Small Business Saturday was very effective last year.

“We will be serving cider and treats and will be having the same sales as Black Friday,” she added.

According to the American Express website, Small Business Saturday began in 2010 and is “a day for everyone — from the business owners who create jobs to the customers who buy locally — to support small businesses that invigorate the economy and keep communities thriving.”

Last year, more than 100 million people shopped at independently-owned small businesses on the Saturday. An even bigger turnout is expected this year.

Tags: black friday, news, worthington, shopping, retailers