Black Friday came and went without a hitch, according to area business owners and store managers.
“I can’t say whether it was the temperature outside and the conditions that better matched the holiday mood, or if it was an increase in shoppers in general, but regardless, Black Friday business this year was spectacular,” stated Mike Butler, owner of Man’s World on Main Street in Bradford.
Starting on Thursday, some 137.4 million Americans were expected to either shop online or hit stores over the weekend, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Reportedly, that number is up from 135.8 million last year.
And locally, the same trends were proven to be mostly true.
“We had big surges of people between 10 a.m. and noon,” continued Butler, who is currently holding a two-day sale of 25-percent off everything in the store. “And they didn’t just come in for a glove, or a hat, or a suit, or any single items,” he noted. “There were big purchases, and a nice steady flow of people throughout the day.”
One shopper, Rebecca Miller-White, was walking down Main Street with numerous shopping bags in tow. “I like to browse each store and compare prices and products and try to match what’s on my list,” she explained. “I did pretty good.”
Main Street Mercantile also had a “strong sales day,” according to store manager Tara Munch.
“I’ve seen so many people come in and out today, it was considerably busier than last year,” Munch stated, as she continued to check-out a line full of customers. “I think the weather has something to do with it, but also the influx of travellers and those home for Thanksgiving.”
While customers were interested in “a little bit of everything,” Munch said that most purchases were made with the spirit of giving in mind.
“A lot of people are out buying for others,” she explained. “Black Friday is really the big official kick-off of Christmas gift shopping.”
While business in both Bradford stores was booming on Friday, Munch and Butler both agreed on one thing — it was nothing compared with what is to come today.
“Especially in this area, there is a strong concentration on the ‘Shop Local’ initiative that seems to be getting stronger each year,” Butler told The Era.
Small Business Saturday launches today, and businesses up and down Main Street and throughout Bradford are sporting “Show love, Shop Small” flyers posted on their doors for holiday shoppers to see. They’ll also be featuring special Saturday-only sales.
Michelle’s Flair for Hair, located on Main Street, will offer 20-percent off all hair products and styling kits today, according to stylist Nicci Wolford.
“We’re hoping to see a lot of familiar faces for Small Business Saturday,” Wolford commented, “as many locals should be out and about today.”
Michelle’s also offers gift cards and certificates in accordance with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), Wolford added. The store will be open from 9-3 p.m. today.
Orris Jewelers, also on Main Street, saw “lots of onlookers” on Friday, but owner Carol Orris is anticipating steady sale purchases today.
“I saw many browsers on Friday, which typically means they’re scoping out what the area has to offer and will be back in sometime Saturday to make their decisions,” Orris stated.
Orris Jewelers will offer a variety of sales ranging from 10- to 25-percent off today.
“Small Business Saturday is when most local shoppers turn out, and we offer a lot of unique and quality jewelry that is hard to pass up,” Orris added.
Another local shop that offers “unique” gift items, and that is also expecting to see more business today is the Little Fabric Garden in Bradford. All fabrics, notions, books and quilt patterns and kits will be 15- to 20-percent off today, according to Judy Brown.
“If you’re looking for a place that has good, local materials for crafting and quilting, this is definitely the place for that,” Brown said.
Two women studied the handmade quilts on the wall inside, commenting that they were interested in coming back to the store today after they’d “compiled their list of gift items.”
The Clothing Closet — new to Main Street with a little over a month since its grand opening — will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and is offering gift certificates in addition to the donated items within the store. All of the money goes back to Destinations Bradford, which will, in turn, go “right back into the community,” salespersons added.
The Bradford Goodwill, located in Foster Brook, featured a special 60-percent off sale storewide on Friday, and anticipates business to carry over.
Man’s World will continue its 25-percent off sale of everything in the store, and Main Street Mercantile will offer a variety of specials today, including ten to 20-percent off participating vendors.
Those shopping at the Mercantile will have the opportunity to spend $25 and get a complimentary salt & pepper shaker; spend $50 and receive a Bradford tumbler; and spend $100 and get crystal champagne glasses with a crystal candy dish, Munch described.
Most businesses will also be giving away “Show love, Shop local” bags with each purchase to celebrate, and encourage, the initiative to carry on even after the long weekend is over.
