Pocono News Section

Black Friday Shopping: Part 2

Black Friday Shopping: Part 2 - Friday, November 28, 2008 at 10:37PM EST

Friday, Nov 28, 2008 @ 10:37pm EST

Wilkes-Barre Township -

Sales at the Wyoming Valley Mall brought out the savvy shoppers.

Sandy Najaka, of Nanticoke says, “I’m always looking for better deals.” This mother/daughter team hit stores before dawn. Nicole Najaka, of Nanticoke says, “I’m looking for a plasma TV or camera but didn’t get either.”

We heard that more than once. Some blame long lines, others point to poor prices.

Melissa Nanni, of Plains says, “I didn’t see much on sale this year so I’m holding onto my money."

Not everyone is. Hundreds fought their way into Target in Wilkes-Barre Township Friday morning. The few doorbuster deals disappeared quickly.

Brad Meyer, a Target employee says, “It seems the holiday season is starting off well.”

Two and a half hours after the mall opened, there's still a steady stream of shoppers. But retailers wonder whether this will last the next four weeks.

Wyoming Valley Mall spokesperson, Joe Ohrin, says “The economy is a little tricky right now but gas is cheap so it doesn't cost as much to get here. Savings --good xmas season."

Jeff mentions that, “That is the retailers’ sales pitch, but how will shoppers react?”

Joe Ohrin responds, “I think spending more money, definitely avoiding credit cards. Everything's cash so I don't have 5 months of bills."

Either way they're all looking for the best bargains--and retailers know it --promising super sales all season long.

Experts say there were many of us looking for bargains this year. They say the percentage of customers intending to shop on Black Friday jumped from 36 percent last year to 45 percent this year.