Black Friday deals put a shine on post-Thanksgiving shopping

WASILLA — Many describe the shopping day after Thanksgiving as the busiest of the year for the nation’s retailers. It’s the day when most businesses say they reach their break-even mark and start making a profit for the year.

Like the rest of the country, stores throughout the Mat-Su geared up for the expected onslaught. Favorable weather made it less of a hassle to “brave the elements” and many businesses gave their employees the day after Thanksgiving off anyway. A couple of businesses even started on Thanksgiving Day proper. Fred Meyer appeared to have got the jump on “Black Friday” opening its doors at 7 a.m. Thanksgiving morning and continued that with a 5 a.m opening on Friday.

Area Sears stores opened the doors at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day with markdowns in excess of 50 percent off some major purchases. The world’s number one retailer, Walmart, also lured customers in after the traditional Thanksgiving dinner beginning its specials Thursday evening. Other major Valley retailers followed suit, with specials on everything from sleepwear and jackets to jewelry, tools and firearms.

Most of the larger retailers seemed to be in pretty good shape by mid-Morning Friday. Finding a parking place was difficult at best. Advertised specials were still, for the most part, available for those wanting to brave the crowds. According to major retailers, online sales continue gaining in popularity. The biggest chains offered free shipping on many items allowing buyers to avoid driving and the lines entirely.

Checking several local stores, the busier departments included men, women and children apparel. As usual, electronic departments were also buzzing. Great deals on large-screen televisions were marching out of Wasilla Fred Meyer stores like ants carrying off a picnic.

“The deals on the big-screens are unbelievable. I can’t believe the prices this year,” said Wasilla resident JerriAnn Smith. “I bought one as a gift and one for the house.”

Some shoppers, not there to take advantage of the bargains took the long lines in stride. Anchorage resident Sheila Barker was visiting relatives in the area. She ran into Fred Meyer to pick up a few grocery items.

“I knew it was going to be a little hectic. I expected the crowds. Luckily it wasn’t as busy in the groceries side of the store,” she said. “I still have to wait in line. But everyone seems to be in a good mood. And I haven’t heard any bickering!”

Heading into the anticipated holiday sales barrage, the National Retail Federation (NRF) expects a 3.6 percent increase in November and December sales — excluding autos, gasoline and restaurant business. The organization says the average consumer will spent close to $950 on holiday shopping.

Even airlines are hopping onboard with special deals. Alaska Airlines has a large “Cyber Monday” sale planned.

“Our Cyber Monday sale is a customer favorite every year, and this year shoppers will find even more to love,” said the airline’s Shane Tackett. “We can’t share price details yet, but you’re sure to find great deals across our network.”

Tackett said in advance of this year’s sale, the airlines’ data analysts dug into the 2015 numbers to get a better idea of what Cyber Monday shoppers have in common. He said they found out that after a long holiday weekend, shoppers are looking for quick getaways and a break from the family. Tackett said those shoppers are more likely to book solo and leave the family behind more than any other type of trip.

“And they were most interested in long weekends away,” Tackett added.