Kent merchants hope Black Friday equals Green Dreams

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means only one thing for retailers: Black Friday is nearly upon us.

Named for the day when store owners traditionally see their books go from the red to the black (indicating profits for the year), the day after Thanksgiving has become the biggest shopping day of the year and retailers all around the country – and in Kent – are getting ready.

At Kent Station, for example, several shops plan on early openings to welcome in bargain hunters and early risers. Though the mall itself will maintain normal hours, several retailers plan earlier-than-usual openings to try and entice shoppers.

Whitney Frisbey, manager at Bath and Body Works, said their 6 a.m. opening time is because so many shoppers like to get an early start.

“You’ve got to support your shoppers,” she said. “If they’re going to be out and about then we’ll be here as well.”

Frisbey said she loves the energy of the day after Thanksgiving, as well as the high volume of shoppers who come in and out of the store, which she said is already “totally in Christmas mode.”

The Kent Station Game Stop is also planning a 6 a.m. opening for gamers to get in early as well. Assistant Manager Tammy Eubank said the shop is planning a “doorbusters” sale until 11 a.m., though she wasn’t yet sure what the specials would be. In years past, however, Eubank said there have been package deals on used games, as well as bundles with game systems.

“We usually have really good deals on Black Friday,” she said.

Across the street at Bella Home Garden, owner Marci Wainhouse said she plans to open at 7 a.m. and is planning a variety of specials.

“It’s just such an exciting shopping day,” she said. “It’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season.”

And of course, shoppers looking for an early morning warm up – or pick-me-up – can stop over at Dilettante Mocha Cafe, which opens at 6:30 a.m. and will have coffee, hot chocolate and mochas for thirsty shoppers, as well as their new chocolate Santas and holiday chocolates.

Meanwhile, most stores downtown reported that they would be open normal hours on Black Friday, but some are planning additional sales, such as Judi Stringfellow at English Cottage Collection, who will have some items with big markdowns.

“It’s real important,” she said of getting shoppers in early and often this season. “It’s been a really tough year.”

Meanwhile, major retailers around town also are opening their doors early.

This year the Target on East Hill is planning a 5 a.m. opening, an hour earlier than usual, and manager Pam Mower promised additional sales throughout the store, including “doorbuster” savings on toys and electronics.

“Of course there’s always great deals on Black Friday,” she said, adding that the first 500 shoppers will receive reusable shopping bags.

The Fred Meyer, also on East Hill, is planning a 5 a.m. opening as well and will offer coffee and doughnuts for shoppers as well as six-hour sales event, according to store Director Kevin Zoch.

Though there have been reports from around the country of violence and confusion on Black Friday, both Mower and Zoch said they have not had any problems at their stores and expect a safe, exciting shopping day.

Mower said Kent Police were scheduled to be on hand at Target to help organize lines, which she said begin forming as early as midnight, though the largest crowds arrive about two hours before the scheduled opening.

For more information about which stores open early at Kent Station, visit www.kentstation.com. Santa Claus also is scheduled to arrive at Kent Station 10 a.m. Saturday with an appearance by the Rainier Brass Ensemble. Visit the Web site for a full list of Santa’s hours.

To learn more about downtown merchant activities, go to the Kent Downtown Partnership Web site.