With the big kick off to the holiday shopping season came crowds, deals and busy employees.
Black Friday is one of the biggest sales days of the year for retail outlets like Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy and other big box stores, and this year with people hustling and bustling around, Centerplace in west Greeley looked just as busy as ever.
The National Retail Federation’s Preliminary Thanksgiving Weekend Survey estimated 135.8 million shoppers would be shopping nationwide Thanksgiving weekend. Another retail foundation study found that consumers spent an average of $802.45 last year on Christmas gifts, decorations, goods and more.
Many residents and visitors were found out and about on Friday, scoping out a deals and putting dents in their Christmas lists.
Officials at the Greeley Mall said they had high volume foot traffic, reaching about 1,500 guests an hour. By 4 p.m. on Friday, traffic was still going strong.
The Tribune talked to a few shoppers in Centerplace to see how the day went:
What was the best deal you found today?
“The HP Laptop. I bought it for $479, $200 off. I’m a writer, so I’ll use it to write and for school.”
Devyn Tousignant, Windsor
“I think it’s the vacuum and sheets. I like Kohl’s. They have a lot of good deals and nice employees.”
Rabia Sherif, Greeley
What do you think of the crowds?
“It’s so busy I helped (someone) unload their cart so I could steal it. Though it seems less busy than last year, maybe because they’re opening earlier. We let all the crazies come out last night, and then we are the second round of crazy.”
Matt Denman, Denver
What brought you out today?
“I don’t actually shop on Black Friday normally. My car is at the dealer so I just walked over to see it. I just walked into Kohl’s, and I don’t think the deals are worth standing in line.”
Jennifer Briggs, Windsor
What was your favorite part of the day?
“Helping choosing things. I helped pick presents.”
Jude Sherif, Greeley
What were your goal items?
“Coats and toys for my kid. Nothing special.”
Jime Gaucin, Greeley
Did you make a dent in your Christmas list?
“I did most of my shopping last night online. I got toys and clothes.”
Alyssa Guzman, Greeley
Did you take advantage of any online deals?
“We did a lot of our stuff online. It was great that Walmart did everything online because we didn’t have to fight for it. The biggest highlight this year was the online deals. We got a soundbar and a media fireplace.”
Chelsea Strang, Greeley
