IKEA, others gearing up for Black Friday shoppers

Store owners still expect large crowds despite economy

A line of customers ride up the escalator to do some shopping at IKEA on Black Friday 2008. The West Chester Twp. retailer isn't planning to open early this year.

Staff photo by Pat Auckerman A line of customers ride up the escalator to do some shopping at IKEA on Black Friday 2008. The West Chester Twp. retailer isn't planning to open early this year.

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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 3:04 PM Friday, November 27, 2009

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Area retailers are predicting a positive response from shoppers as the holiday gift-giving season gets under way Friday, Nov. 23, despite a less-than-positive economy.

And, depending on the strategy, local buyers will have the opportunity to start as early as 4 a.m. (Kohl’s off Tylersville Road), 5 a.m. (Walmart on Cincinnati-Dayton Road or the Meijer on Tylersville Road), or perhaps after a pick-me-up brunch at 10 a.m. at IKEA West Chester.

It will be the sixth consecutive Black Friday for local Kohl’s store manager Tom Graham, who said he wasn’t expecting much of a slowdown because of the economy.

“We’re very confident that it’s going to be a good year,” Graham said this week, as the store made some final preparations.

There are some changes this year, including the department store chain offering 100 more “early bird” specials this year than last year. Those sales will run until 1 p.m. Friday, Graham said.

Just what the sales will be at Target at the Voice of America Shopping Center will be revealed Friday — in time for the rush, said Christina Dyas, a store manager.

Dyas said if last year was any indication, shoppers will be eagerly awaiting the 5 a.m. opening well in advance.

The store hired security for crowd control last year, and employees passed out numbered tickets in an attempt to ease the stampede when the doors swung open. They could do the same this year, Dyas said.

“They were lined up all the way down the sidewalk last year. It was nuts,” Dyas said. “This year, we’ve pretty much got everyone (employees) in the store scheduled.”

Although IKEA West Chester isn’t offering extended hours (they open at 10 a.m.), it is offering free breakfast and a $1 meatball lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Even before the store’s second Black Friday week donned, the Swedish retailer began pumping Christmas music throughout its 335,000 square feet.

Because of their hours, store officials say they don’t expect a mad rush when the doors open. But “we always prepare like it’s the grand opening,” said IKEA West Chester Spokeswoman Kitalena Mason.

And, if there’s a concern that small children could slow the shopping pace, Liberty Twp.-based Kristi’s Tumbling and Trampoline, 6789 Lakota Lane, will host a baby-sitting service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. The cost is $20 for ages 4 and older.

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