Thousands Come Out Early For ‘Black Friday’ Sales

By Veronique Masterson

EL PASO — Thousands of shoppers braved cold weather Friday morning to get a head start on their holiday shopping.

Many merchants call the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday” because the business they bring in takes them out of the “red” and puts them into the “black” of profitability for the year.

Plenty of stores were ready for early bird customers. The Outlet Shoppes of El Paso opened at12:01 Friday morning to let shoppers in on bargains and savings.

“Everybody is excited. It looks like everybody is ready to go,” said Justin Davidson, a shopper who said he was amazed at the turnout.

Hardy bargain hunters held tight to their hot chocolates and coffee to keep warm as they anxiously waited outdoors for the stroke of midnight. A cold front had moved into the area, and that dropped overnight temperatures considerably when compared to the previous evening.

As the stores opened, people rushed in to spend their money.

Some had a clear plan on what they wanted to buy. “Shoes. Children’s shoes and then clothes because shoes go first,” said Lauren Treece.

Bargains enticed many people with money in hand. In some stores at the Outlet Shoppes, some merchants were offering some items at 70 percent off regular retail price.

“It’s the first time we’re doing this. Coming out for the grand opening, we expected a pretty large crowd,” said Cecilia Reyes, marketing coordinator for the Outlet Shoppes. “People are still excited about our opening and are getting a great deal.”

In addition to the Outlet Shoppes, other retailers welcomed customers before dawn.

Despite the wind and cold weather, the parking lot at the Best Buy near Sunland Park Mall was packed all morning. By the time the store opened, the line to get in had wrapped around the block.

“I want to get most of the sales that they have going on,” one man said.