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HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

Bargain hunters in high spirits on Black Friday

Some say there appears to be more out shopping this year than last.

Photos: Black Friday shoppers

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By Lindsey Hilty and Marie Rossiter, Staff Writers Updated 11:43 AM Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday shoppers for the most part were in high spirits as they flooded area stores today, Nov. 27 — many with game plans for the big day.

Throngs of shoppers milled around Bridgewater Falls in Fairfield Twp., some seeking specific big ticket items, others just looking for bargains.

And while lines were long and the parking lot jammed, Shannon Morris, 32, of Monroe, said her holiday spirits were not dampened.

“Everybody’s been really great,” she said. “I think that most people who shop on Black Friday ... you just have an attitude you know it’s going to be crowded. You know you have to wait.”

At 3 a.m. she said she waited in line inside Walmart and successfully nabbed a Nintendo DS. Around 8 a.m. she exited Target with a battery powered child size quad runner.

Some seeking Black Friday sales at Target in Middletown got in line around 7 p.m. Thursday, but the doors didn’t open until 5 a.m. Friday. Shoppers poured in, and a large crowd remained throughout the morning. The draw, some said, was the low prices on flat-screen televisions.

Debbie Garitson of Monroe hit the stores at 3:30 a.m. traveling to Big Lots, Walgreens and Kohl’s.

“We got a lot of good deals and saved a lot of money,” she said.

A toaster oven and towel sets were among the purchases made by Debbie O’Rourke of Germantown.

“Sure it’s worth it. There are some great buys out there,” she said.

O’Rourke was at Target early with the goal of getting a half-price television deal, but had no luck snagging one.

“They were all gone by 5:30,” she said.

Althought Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe had a surge of shoppers in the hours after opening for its Midnight Madness sale at 10 p.m. Thursday, there was a lull in shoppers and parking spaces were available around 8 a.m. Friday morning. A shuttle service was running from the overflow parking at the nearby Home Depot Distribution Center.

Niki Lozier, 16, of Liberty Twp., said she was ready to start shopping at the outlet mall by 5 a.m. Friday. Her mother, Barbara Lozier, had different ideas.

“I was hoping she’d sleep in,” said Barbara Lozier. “It’s my first time out on Black Friday because she had to shop.”

The call of Black Friday deals was loud and clear for Niki Lozier. She said she’s been baby-sitting and saving her hard-earned money.

“I had cash ready to burn,” Niki Lozier said.

Staff Writer Lauren Pack contributed to this report.

Shopper deals

Those seeking deals on clothes for kids at Cincinnati Premium Outlets are finding some at Carter’s, which is offering a 50 percent discount on everything in the store. Osh Kosh items are an extra 10 percent off until noon. The Children’s Place has an extra 25 percent off until noon plus a $5-$8 dollar sale on sweatshirts, pants, thermals, hats, scarves and more.

Bridgewater Falls in Fairfield Twp. and Boy Scout Troop 984 are giving the first 500 customers to spend $500 a free Christmas tree. The troop is selling trees at the shopping center.

Deerfield Towne Center in Mason is offering a free holiday reindeer to those who spend $125 and show receipts at the management office. It will host a tree lighting ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.

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I don't appreciate being called a moron. Black friday is a day to go out, have fun, and maybe catch some good deals while you're at it. I went out shopping at 5 in the morning with my mom and not only got new clothes for me, but I purchased christmas presents for my family. All while having fun with my mom! Stop kidding yourself that black friday is a bad thing.

Niki
3:50 PM, 11/29/2009

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The true meaning of Christmas has been lost on the idiots that run out and do this marathon shopping. What I find most remarkable is it is the devoute christians who are first in line. God gave his son for this? How can you call yourself a christian and then run someone down for a 1/2 price item that is over priced in the first place. I have better ideas of how to spend family time and it is not marathon shopping at 1:00 a.m.

Barb
10:55 PM, 11/28/2009

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I really believe that because of the economy, prices are going to go even lower on many of the sought after gifts. I'm willing to wait it out.
And I bet, if you asked people who took part in Black Friday sales last year, they couldn't tell you what their great bargains were. It's insane to get all hopped up and spend, spend, spend and then face the dreaded bills in 2010. I'm glad I stayed away and didn't get all caught up in that crap.

skeptic
4:08 PM, 11/28/2009

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One word best describes the participants on Black Friday:

Morons

Jon
12:30 PM, 11/28/2009

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And they have more televisions today!!

avid shopper
9:30 AM, 11/28/2009

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