By WAYNE ALLEN
PDT Staff Writer
About 2,500 people filled the New Boston Walmart on Thursday looking for deals. Some people say they arrived at 5 p.m. to wait for discounted items that didn’t go on sale until 10 p.m.
According to the National Retail Federation, about 152 million people are shopping during Black Friday weekend. That is a 10 percent increase from 2010.
Bill Mason, store manager of the New Boston Walmart, said his team began preparing for this year’s sale as early as August. Using a strategy from last year, they offered Black Friday sales in waves.
The first sale began at 10 p.m. Thursday for apparel, housewares and toys. Next, electronics went on sale at midnight. Finally, sporting goods and automotive accessories were discounted at 8 a.m. Friday.
“The crowd has been pretty mellow, we have been very fortunate this year,” Mason said.
This is the first year Sharon Moore participated in Black Friday.
“I got here about 15 minutes ago and I should have gotten here two hours ago,” Moore said. “My son told me ‘you’re making a big mistake,’ but so far I’ve been enjoying myself.”
When asked why she would come out for the sales, Moore said, “It’s just the Christmas spirit. There are a lot of people out doing the same thing. This way I can get some shopping done and have fun at the same time.”
Kristy Mills of New Boston took advantage of the 10 p.m. sale, loaded up the car, then came back to wait until midnight at another sale item.
“My daughter is in from college. She needed a crock pot and a skillet. We already got those, paid for them. Went out to put them away and came back in for more stuff.” Mills said.
“This is my Super Bowl. I get so excited every year,” Mills said. “My little boy has lots of toys and long lists of things he wants. This way I am able to buy a lot and save a lot.”
Aaron Donini spent Thursday working, then came to Walmart to snag some Christmas gifts.
“I guess you do crazy things for your children,” Donini said.
The New Boston Police said there was no major altercations reported Thursday night or Friday morning.
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