November 28, 2014 at 4:24 p.m.
Shoppers turn out in force for Black Friday sales
Shoppers turn out in force for Black Friday sales
Area stores were stuffed to the seams with shoppers searching for Black Friday sales. Some chipped away at their inevitable Christmas shopping, while others were just there to check out the latest gadgets.
Menards, one of the area's most popular Black Friday destinations, was busy with focused shoppers hunting for the best bargains they could find. Checkout lines promised lengthy waits, but that didn't stop Beka Chaney from making her purchases.
"Yes, the wait is long and it's kind of annoying, but it's not really that big of a deal," she said. "You know you're going to have to deal with that stuff when you shop today. The prices are what makes it worth it."
It was all hands on deck at Walmart. Employees shuffled quickly from department to department, helping anxious customers find what they needed. Courtney Ross said she loves shopping on Black Friday because she can cross so many items off her list.
"It's just convenient," she said. "I come out on Black Friday every year and I get a good deal of my Christmas shopping done. I think the craziness of the day is worth it. I do feel bad for the workers though."
Not everyone was as enthusiastic as Ross. Mike Richards said if it was up to him, he probably would have stayed home.
"My wife drags me along every year," he said. "It can save some money for Christmas shopping, so I guess that's a good thing, but the lines are always long and we end up spending too much anyway, in my opinion."
Kohl's was bustling with shoppers hoping to save on everything from kitchen appliances to clothes.
Laura Toms said Kohl's was her first stop.
"I actually love Black Friday," she said. "I know it can be a little much, but I love the deals. It's fun and there's something kind of exciting about it. I go out shopping every year."
Shopko hosted its share of shoppers too. Curt Roman was there and hoped to make it a quick trip, but the sheer mass of shoppers rendered that objective impossible.
"I'm just here to get a few things and it's kind of a hassle," he said. "It's a zoo. The lines are long. Some people really get fired up for this though."
Shelly Cole stopped in town for an appointment and decided to check out one of Rhinelander's newest shopping destinations, Dunham's Sports. The crowds were more manageable there and that made shopping much easier. Cole said she's mostly opposed to Black Friday but decided to make a quick trip this year.
"It's gotten out of control," she said. "I feel like the Black Friday shopping has overridden the Thanksgiving holiday so I've written off the whole thing. If I didn't have a doctor's appointment in Rhinelander, I wouldn't even be shopping today. I generally don't go, but when I do go, it's a little bit too chaotic and competitive for me."
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.