Bracing for 'Black Friday'

By Staff
Melissa Dozier-Cason, FCT Staff Writer
With their Thanksgiving leftovers tucked securely in their refrigerators, many Franklin County shoppers will descend on local retailers today in search of some of the best deals offered all year.
Dubbed "Black Friday," today is considered the busiest shopping day of the year.
The day has come to be known as Black Friday because many stores will see their profit and loss margins determined by holiday sales.
The consistent holiday shopping trend is that sales figures spike on the day after Thanksgiving, drop sharply immediately afterwards, then steadily increase throughout December, peaking on the four days comprising the two weekends before Christmas.
Local retailers are marking the day with special buys and are prepared to handle larger crowds.
Peebles is having a two-day sale to commemorate their first holiday season in Russellville, offering 15 percent off any single item today, and shoppers who purchase $50 or more will receive a $10 gift card to be used on their next visit today through Sunday. There will also be special buys available now through Saturday, Shona Mele, store manager, said.
"We are glad to in Russellville, and our store has done very well," Mele said.
The store offers jewelry, fragrances, clothing, shoes, and home accents. They have been preparing for this sale for about two weeks, and anticipate a large sale volume, Mele said.
Next door to Pebbles, Burke's Outlet will have a sale today. All clearance items will be 75 percent off their already reduced price. All Christmas items will be 40 percent off, and everyone who shops today will enjoy an additional 15 percent off their ticket, Tina Beasley, store associate, said.
Like many other stores, Burke's will open their doors early, hoping to rake in the early birds. However, Beasley said she doesn't expect the rush to hit until mid-morning.
"We will open at 7 a.m. but don't expect a large crowd until around 9 a.m., when everyone is finished with Wal-Mart's sale," Beasley said.
Russellville's Factory Connection location will also open early in anticipation of morning crowds. They will be offering $5 and $10 deals including three-quarter sleeve tops jeans and jackets.
Also, all items will be 20 percent off from 7 to 9 a.m., Diane Alverson, store manager, said.