Black Friday caps Turkey Day
What is becoming a holiday tradition across the county, Black Friday officially hits stores the day after Thanksgiving, as lines of eager shoppers will form in the early morning hours so that deal-seekers can acquire their trinkets, gadgets and gizmos on the biggest sale-day of the year.
In a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, 164 million people are planning to venture out between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday in preparation for December festivities.
“Whether it’s heading to the stores after finishing their turkey or going online on Cyber Monday, consumers will be shopping all weekend and retailers will be ready to meet the demand,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “Retail is a vibrant, dynamic and competitive industry, but one thing is certain – consumers are the winners no matter which day or which way they shop.”
The survey showed that 21 percent (34 million) will plan to shop on Thanksgiving Day, 46 percent (75 million) are expected to log online and shop virtually, while Black Friday remains the coup de grace, with 71 percent (116 million) of brave souls will battle long lines and hectic atmospheres.
Here in the Cape, Kohl’s employees are gearing up for what they plan to be an eventful 24 hours.
“We’ve taken a lot of trucks, and hired lots off staff,” said Cape Coral Kohl’s store manager, Sabrina Howertson. “We’re getting all of our items out onto the floor, and having a good team around you helps.”
The Pine Island Road location will open at 5 p.m. Thursday, and remain open until midnight on Friday.
New this year is a customizable map, where customers can map out what they need, and where in the store it’s located.
“It can help them kind of plan out their trip. It should be a great tool,” said Howertson. “Though no matter what, we will help our customers find anything they need.”
Kohl’s will be featuring some new items they have not had in the past, such as Lego brand items, a new line from FAO Schwartz, and an expanded smart-home products and gadgets, including security systems.
Customers who open a Kohl’s account will receive 35 percent off of their purchase and current card holders will receive 15 percent off.
Members can earn $15 in Kohl’s cash for every $50 they spend, which can be redeemed between Nov. 24 and Dec. 5.
“I’ve been at this store for eight years, and it never disappoints. People have kind of turned it into a tradition after eating Thanksgiving dinner,” Howertson said of Black Friday. “We’re really excited about it this year, we have lots of great products.”
Shoppers can now also buy items online and have them shipped to the store, where they can hold the item for pick up, instead of having it shipped to your house and be worried that the package may be stolen while you’re at work.
“It’s popular already, it gives the customer peace of mind,” added Howertson.
Most of Kohl’s deals will be available online, as well as a new round of savings come Cyber Monday.
Walmart will naturally take part in Black Friday savings, as deals offered as of Nov. 21 at 10 p.m. on their website.
On the 22nd, from 4-6 p.m. Walmart will throw a Light Up Black Friday party for customers at participating stores with coffee, cocoa and cookies being served.
In store door-busters begin at 6.
Both Wal-Mart locations in Cape Coral are 24 hours.
Heading out in the wee-hours of the morning has become more popular over the years, as families and friends often enjoy each other’s company and the vibrant atmosphere rather than just searching for a great deal.
“While the long weekend always draws shoppers of all ages to take advantage of the irresistible deals and promotions that retailers are offering, we’re seeing a change in how the younger consumers see the weekend,” Prosper Insights Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said in a statement. “Compared to older generations, younger consumers under the age of 35 are more likely to be attracted by the social aspects of shopping over the weekend or by the fact that it is a family tradition.”
No matter if you’re trying to score a jaw-dropping sale tag, or just enjoy some quality time with your loved ones, the upcoming weekend-extravaganza of shopping is shaping up to be the biggest yet for consumers in the U.S.
-Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj