"There are no exceptions," said one Walmart cashier.
Shopping crowds on Black Friday are traditionally large in number and have the potential to overwhelm even the most prepared stores and businesses. But this year, following months of layoffs and bitter feelings toward the economy, the people who were up in the wee hours of the morning preparing to shop for Christmas gave some locals hope that the country's financial crisis is on its way out.
"I didn't think I'd see so many people out shopping today," said one Walmart customer on Friday. "It's a good sign, because it seems like most people are trying to save money instead of spending it."
In light of the downtrodden economy, many retailers this year were trying to accommodate smaller spending budgets with better deals and extended holiday specials.
Big R, for example, planned to have two weekend drawings for at least a $250 gift card, with the amount doubling if the winner was present Friday or Sunday. This offer was in addition to the store's regular Saturday sales.
Nationally, some lines began forming on Friday night in preparation for 6 a.m. store openings Saturday. One Walmart in California even had to close for several hours after shoppers began fighting over bargain merchandise.
One year after a New York security guard was crushed to death by a stampede of buyers, most store crowds were in control, but Friday's shopping success indicates good news for retailers this Christmas season.
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