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NEWS
Black Friday bargains prompt lines, few thefts
Early morning shoppers crowd K B Toys Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at the Huntington Mall in Barboursville.
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BARBOURSVILLE -- Black Friday for the Mangus family started about 10 p.m. Thursday night when they parked a recreational vehicle on the Huntington Mall parking lot.
The motor home occupied four parking spaces, but provided five family members a place to eat and sleep approximately 35 parking spots from the mall's front entrance.
"It's really cramped, but still fun," said 11-year-old Katie Mangus. "You don't have to drive a long way to go to the mall."
The family RV was surrounded by other vehicles by 5 a.m., as shoppers flooded the mall and neighboring shopping centers to usher in this year's Christmas shopping season.
Sales statistics were not finalized Friday morning, but those who walked through the mall or navigated its bustling parking lot witnessed apparent success. Shoppers continued standing in long cashier lines as of 8:30 a.m. and vehicle traffic remained heavy throughout the morning.
Amber Campbell, 19, of Gallipolis, Ohio, joined family member Heather Palmer, 26, of Indiana. The two diehard shoppers eagerly anticipate Black Friday each year. Campbell worked 12 hours on Thanksgiving and slept one hour to ensure she would be ready. They left Gallipolis at 2 a.m., arrived at the Barboursville Wal-Mart at 3 a.m. for the store opening two hours later. They purchased a Nintendo Wii.
The Campbell-Palmer duo even designed special T-shirts for the occasion. The front identified the women as members of "Santa's SWAT Team." The back of the shirts played on the popular MasterCard commercials; stating gasoline from Gallipolis cost $25 and breakfast at McDonald's cost $7, but described "fighting for the hottest Christmas items at 6 a.m." as priceless. The shirts caused one customer to mistake the duo as sales associates at Sears, Palmer said.
"It was very crazy this year getting through Wal-Mart," Campbell said. "We had to have a cart this year because we had so many gifts to get."
Traffic congestion did not lead to many accidents, but Cabell County 911 received word of several reported thefts. The reports included stolen purses and shoplifting. Authorities believe one person stole approximately $9,000 in merchandise from Kohl's.
Officials urged shoppers and motorists to be cautious, but enjoy the after-Thanksgiving experience. Many took that advice.
The Mangus family shopped off and on throughout the night. Katie's mother - Beth Mangus, 36, of Jacksonville, Fla. - said the family celebrated Thanksgiving with local relatives. Afterwards they traveled to the mall, set up camp, attended a midnight opening at The Disney Store and then returned to the RV. Some family members slept until other stores opened at 4 a.m. It was the first year her family used the RV as a headquarters for Black Friday shopping. It may not be the last.
"It's fun because we can come out, eat, sleep and spend money," Beth Mangus said. "I mean I'm tired, but I'm much better off than those people at Best Buy in the tents."
Beth Mangus estimates she spent $300 to $400 by 7 a.m. She credited her mother-in-law, Patty Mangus of Hurricane, with devising the RV-shopping strategy. Patty Mangus said she never slept. She watched shoppers line up at store entrances, as she clipped coupons and read advertisements in the warmth and coziness of the RV.
"It was fantastic," Patty Mangus said of her idea. "I just thought it would be fun to be here first, to shop, to spend money and, of course, keep it local."
Dylan Wood, 23, of New Boston, Ohio, arrived with his family at 3:52 a.m. They shopped at The Disney Store, Old Navy and J.C. Penney's. He credits a sluggish economy with enhancing this year's experience by way of better bargains and cheaper gasoline. He estimates his family spent $200 during the first hours of shopping. He anticipated doubling that tally at a nearby toy store.
"It's way more busy," he said, in comparison to previous years. "We're just coming out and being able to spread the holiday cheer."
Joe North described himself to be the ultimate Black Friday rookie. The Maryland resident spent Thanksgiving visiting family in the Tri-State. He traveled to the mall for a solo shopping mission. He spent about $100 at Dick's Sporting Goods and received a $20 gift card. Items on the shopping list included West Virginia University memorabilia and a fishing pole combo. He said sale advertisements, together with the slumping economy, prompted him to break tradition.
"I'm that guy that goes fishing, hunting and sleeps through these Friday sales," he said. "I sort of turned into my wife for a day that I usually criticize."
North said he was impressed by the bargains, but awestruck by the experience. He compared it to a deer hunter who sees a massive buck, whether he shoots it or not.
"For me it was that same ah-ha experience. I will ever forget this. I'm 53, here by myself. My wife will not believe it when I tell her," he said. "I was very impressed, and I'll get a nap later this afternoon."
Christina Francis, 37, journeys out for Black Friday every year. She traveled in from out of state to visit family in Louisa, Ky. She and her mother woke at 2:30 a.m. Friday and left 30 minutes later to arrive at Elder-Beerman by 4:05 a.m. They purchased bedding, housewares and cookware. She loaded the first round of purchases at 5:30 a.m. and expressed desire for hot chocolate.
"The lines were very, very long. That's the longest I've seen them," she said. "I really enjoy coming out."
Police warn motorist to be cautious near shopping centers this holiday season. Shoppers are warned to be aware of thieves. Shoppers should remember to safely secure all valuables out of view.
