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On 'Black Friday,' The Shop-Eyed Spot The Bargains

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2007

Holiday Guide | Black Friday Shopping

Already done shopping for the day? You're not alone.

Black Friday - the all-American, post-Thanksgiving shop-fest - launched long before sunrise today. Retailers across the country scrambled to be consumers' first stop. Some opened doors at midnight or launched special Internet sales Thursday night.

The next six weeks are the busiest time of year for many retailers, many of whom expect to see a 3 percent boost in sales over 2006. That number's lower than in past years. The reason: a softer economy and fallout from a shaky housing market.

"We're fighting some negative consumer attitudes," said Rick McAllister, president and chief executive of the Florida Retail Federation.

Retailers hope the state's shoppers spend as much as University of Florida economists predict: an average of $1,325 this holiday season.

A good 12 to 13 percent of that money should be spent between today and Sunday, McAllister said. The final weekend before Christmas will be slightly busier, he said.

Having stores open in the middle of the night likely won't change the final sales results, McAllister said. The openings are all about retailers trying to create a buzz for Black Friday - an annual national event that attracts millions but repels just as many.

"This is a nation of people with free will," he said. "The people who don't want to be out at 1 a.m. won't be out at 1 a.m."

Most government services are closed today.

Mary Shedden

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