Holiday shopping starts early for many Eufaula residents

The words “Black Friday” often conjure thoughts of pushy crowds and long lines in the minds of holiday shoppers.

However, many shoppers and businesses in Eufaula are getting a head start on the holiday shopping season before Black Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving. Eufaula shopper Brenda Howell has bought into shopping prior to Black Friday. She’s been Christmas shopping since the beginning of November.

“I’m not one to lollygag,” she said Wednesday.

Howell described her dislike of Black Friday’s general hectic atmosphere.

“I enjoy starting early and finding what I need,” she stated. “I don’t do Black Friday with all its crowds.”

Though Howell admits she will buy “just a few more items” closer to Christmas Day, most of her shopping is completed. And that’s the way she likes it. Howell is one of many Eufaulians shopping prior to next Friday. Some area businesses are catering to these “early-birds.”

Sears of Eufaula began offering seasonal discount sales three weeks ago, according to manager Dorrie Smith.

“We’re offering special sales every weekend up to next Friday,” he stated Wednesday afternoon. “(These weekend sales) offer discounts on anything from tools to laundry and refrigeration appliances.”

This weekend, Sears will host another “door-buster sale”, offering discounts on tools, refrigerators and other items. Smith says Eufaulians have responded well to these early-bird holiday sales.

“A lot of people have come in early,” said Smith. “Many don’t want to have to deal with the crowds or be in the rush (of Black Friday).”

Sears’ layaway program has also helped encourage shoppers to start buying Christmas gifts early, says Smith. “That’s really been helping business out as well,” he said.

The most popular items with these early-bird shoppers include laundry appliances and stoves, though Smith says LCD televisions are also hot with early holiday shoppers. Though many Eufaula shoppers are getting an early start on holidays shopping, Smith believes Black Friday will be a big day for his store. Last year, Sears of Eufaula saw shoppers lined up outside its doors before the store opened at 4 a.m.

“Last year, we did really well. We sold out of our laundry (appliances), fridges and almost all of our TVs.”

Smith predicts this Black Friday to be just as busy for all Sears stores throughout the United States.

“Sears stores (throughout the U.S.) will be holding (more than) 200 door-buster sales (on Black Friday),” said Smith.

Smith isn’t worried about the Iron Bowl game affecting sales on Black Friday (the Auburn versus Alabama game is scheduled for the Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving).

Sears’ door-buster sales are set from 4 a.m. until noon next Friday, “So most people will get here early (prior to the ball game),” said Smith.

Eufaula’s Factory Connection has also hosted holiday sales as early as late October, said Hope Gray, store manager.

Read more on this story Friday in The Tribune.