VALDOSTA — For some, the day after Thanksgiving is a chance to spend more time with loved ones. For others, it’s all about the leftovers, and for children, it’s another day off from school. But for many, the day is all about shopping.

Traditionally known as “Black Friday” among retailers, the day after Thanksgiving has long been one their busiest, repeatedly ranking as one of the “Top Ten Shopping Days of the Year,” according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Predictions of a gloomy Christmas shopping season haven’t deterred retailers from ordering extra merchandise and opening before the crack of dawn to offer special discounts in an effort to entice shoppers into their stores.

“We’re opening at 5 a.m. on Friday for our Early Bird Special, and we’ll have a lot of big ticket items on sale,” said Kay Bee Toys store manager Andrew Stevens. “We have to bring in extra seasonal help to get us through Christmas.”

Colonial Mall Marketing Director Francina Alger said, “It’s a tradition. In previous years, people have been lined up at the door waiting for Kay Bee and the other stores to open.”

Alger said the rest of the mall won’t officially open until 7 a.m., although Sears and Belks will be open at 6 a.m.

“Recent events have really not affected the Mall traffic. Business has been very good so far,” she said.

JC Penney department manager Katherine Kidwell said, “Each weekend, business has been getting stronger and stronger. We are actually looking for this year to be better than last year, as people are definitely shopping.”

Books a Million store manager Darrell Newberry wasn’t quite as optimistic, saying they’ve lowered their expectations this year, although he added, “We’re hoping for a great season, and we’re gearing up just in case.”

Lake Park Mill Store Plaza is offering special savings and discounts from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday at its more than 30 retail stores.

The Plaza is also offering free trolley rides on Friday starting at 9 a.m., and customers can register for a $500 holiday shopping spree giveaway. The Francis Lake Lion’s Club Santa’s Workshop will be open at 9 a.m. and Santa will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. through Dec. 16.

According to the ICSC, the hot items for this season include “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings” movie merchandise, DVD players, video game systems, DVD movies and the usual Barbies, GI Joes, and Tonka Toys.

Angela Snyder of Valdosta said she and her mother will be shopping as usual. “I always buy all of my presents on the day after Thanksgiving. We go because it’s fun! My mother and I usually go to Atlanta, but this year, we’re staying in Valdosta.”

Snyder said she and her family were celebrating Thanksgiving Wednesday night due to conflicting schedules, leaving Thursday and Friday open for shopping.

“We’ll be at KMart on Thursday and at Wal-Mart by 6 a.m. Friday morning. The store manager promised me the specials won’t start until then. Otherwise, I’d be there at midnight. I already know what I’m going to buy.”

Snyder said the crowds don’t bother her or her mother and the sale prices make it worth their time.

Last year, Snyder and her mother were in a Wal-Mart in Atlanta when the manager came over the loudspeaker. “He had to tell the customers to control themselves and reminded them they were in a public place because they were fighting over TVs.”

And what time was that? “Five a.m.”



To contact reporter Kay Harris, please call 244-3400, ext. 280.