Black Friday Pt. 2: Steals, Deals and Disappointments

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Black Friday may be losing its luster, depending on who you talk to. However, ABC Columbia found some holiday shoppers who vow to keep the tradition alive, even if it means not getting what they got up so early the day after Thanksgiving to get in the first place. Before the sun was up, outdoors in Northeast Columbia to indoors in Harbison, Lisa Ernst and her daughter, Marie, a first time Black Friday shopper, believe the big retail day after Thanksgiving signals the official start of the holiday season. “It doesn’t feel like Christmas if you don’t do it.” They joined thousands of South Carolinians braving huge crowds and long lines to cash in on steals and deals retailers claim come only once a year. Retail expert with the University of South Carolina, Karen Edwards, says,”the holiday season being the 60 days in November and December represents close to 20% of retailers’ all over sales. This is an exciting time for us.” Marie was more than excited to get the black pair of boots she wanted. “They’re $15.” However, some of the men we spoke to, weren’t so excited or lucky. “[My girlfriend] dragged me. I didn’t wanna come. It’s too early,” one told us. “I came in for one thing, a watch for my daughter, but they didn’t have it,” said another disappointed male shopper. We saw plenty others, though, making sure they got the must-haves on their list, shelling out cash and plastic at every turn. By the time the sun was up, lots of folks were recouping from the early morning’s activities taking advantage of on-site chair massages and cat-naps in between. One lady, head down on a table and slung over her arm, cell phone still in hand, looked as though someone should stick a fork in her. She was done. While Black Friday ushers in the official start to the holiday shopping season, it doesn’t end there. Small Business Saturday, in its third year, focuses on local brick and mortar stores and gives ‘mom and pops’ a chance to showcase what they have to offer. Cyber Monday is for those who prefer shopping from the comfort of their own personal computer.