December 3, 2009
Shoppers flock to Wal-Mart on Black Friday
By Berl Tiskus
Valley Journal
POLSON — It was dark and cold at 4:45 a.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 27, too early to even buy a cup of coffee. However, the parking lot at the Polson Wal-Mart was about half full, and the store was a brightly lit beacon enticing shoppers in to shop.
Shoppers had arrived early to get in line for bargains, but many were picking up other items as well and chatting with neighbors and friends.
Although the items could not be purchased until 5 a.m., people could get a number at 4 a.m. and get in line. Maps and numbered tickets were handed out, and giant yellow balloons all over the store marked the spots where lines for hot-selling items, such as laptop computers, TV’S, trampolines and toys, would start.
One lady, determined to purchase one of the laptop computers, came at midnight armed with a collapsible chair. She set up her chair in the pharmacy near the laptops, picked up her number at 4 a.m. and was first in line to purchase a laptop. Another man came at 2:33 a.m. to wait in line for a ride-on Jeep for his children.
All the check stands were manned to help shoppers get checked out quickly, and Wal-Mart associates were standing by to help transport giant TVs and other large items.
Sales at the Polson Wal-Mart on Black Friday were right on the level with last year according to Polson Wal-Mart Manager Dave Tolley. The best sellers were the $198 laptops, Tolley said, and large TVs also did very well.
“Technology and toys are the two areas that did really well for us,” Tolley added.
The company made the determination to have “soft openings,” which basically means the stores stayed open all night. The soft opening did away with long lines and people waiting out in the cold before entering the store at 5 a.m.
The process went without incident, Tolley said. Store associates heard lots of positive comments from customers.
Now it’s official, the Christmas shopping season is underway. |
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