Retailers Prepare For Black Friday

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
November 22, 2012 11:02 PM


More and more stores opened up earlier than ever this year for the biggest shopping day, Black Friday.

Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Sears all opened at eight p.m. and Target at nine p.m. on Thursday night.

Not only is the event busy for shoppers, it’s busy for retailers too.

"People were running, it was crazy, so we're expecting that again," said Miller.

Brandee Miller, works at Bohme, a women's fashion store in the Empire Mall that experienced their first Black Friday in Sioux Falls last year.

Miller said thousands of people made their way inside their stores doors to get their Christmas shopping done early and to take advantage of store deals and preparing for swarms of shoppers, takes a lot of work and time for retailers.

"Get more people hired, get everything stocked. Get the store prepped and ready for Black Friday.

Jennifer Morrison, the Director of Marketing and Business Development at the Empire Mall, said the mall offers a one-stop shop during the largest shopping day of the year.

"You can get in and have a bite to eat, go shopping, relax, whatever you want to do," said Morrison.

The mall’s staff will be providing shoppers necessities they may have forgotten about along with something to quench the thirst.

"We will be handing out shopping bags for those that don't have a bag to carry stuff in," said Morrison."We'll be handing out waters throughout the day to help hydrate people.”

Some advice to help make the shopping trip go smoother on Black Friday, you could make a plan, follow that up with a list and know where you want to go for the deals.

For Miller, she said Bohme would have 20 girls working to keep up with eager shoppers.

"I think it's going to be crazy," said Miller.

The first 300 people who make their way to guest services when the mall's doors open at midnight, they will get a gift bag filled with goodies and shopping deals.

The mall will be open until nine p.m. on Friday.