Customers, businesses prep for Black Friday

As Thanksgiving leftovers begin to cool in the refrigerator, many will set out to take advantage of Black Friday sales.
“I will be shopping. It has been a tradition of mine since I was younger,” Amanda Partin said via Facebook. “I’m hoping to score some video games for my kids and anything super hero related for my son who lives [loves] all things super hero.”
While many will flock to shopping centers in Knoxville, local stores, such as Radio Shack, Gifts from Above and Smith’s Ace Hardware will offer special sales.
 “I’m expecting this Friday to be pretty huge,” Radio Shack owner Eddie Wiggins said. “Black Friday’s always a good buying time for the consumer. Something’s always on sale.”
The Kindle Fire will draw customers to Radio Shack, Wiggins said.
“We’re the only consumer electronics store (in Campbell County) where you (can) walk in and buy the Kindle Fire,” he said. “It’s going to be a big seller for us this holiday season.”
Wiggins also feels wireless Bluetooth speakers will attract shoppers.
“With everyone having Android or iPhones,” Wiggins said. “I think these wireless Bluetooth speakers will be (big) sellers this year.”
Radio Shack will open at 6 a.m., which is three and a half hours earlier than usual.
“Probably be open (until) about the regular time,” Wiggins said. “Everything happens in the morning or in the afternoon on Black Friday.”
While Gift’s From Above owner J. B. Purdie doesn’t plan on opening early, he expects Black Friday shoppers to come by on the way back from Knoxville.
“We’ll have several specials,” he said.
He hopes some will stop by on the way to Knoxville.
Smith’s Ace Hardware will open at 7 a.m., which is 30 minutes early.
Smith’s will be running specials on various items. Find a cordless drill, tape measure or tool set for dad, or a new pizza stone or slow cooker for grandma.
Owner Sherman Campbell expects increased customer volume early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Look inside for specials from following merchants:
• Walmart
• CVS
• Family Dollar
• Case Knives
• IGA
• Food City
• Dollar General
• US Cellular
• Rite Aid
• Sears
• Goody’s
• Badcock
• Tractor Supply
• Big Lots
• Lowes
• Walgreens

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