Area merchants prepare for big shopping day

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Karen Warner expects to be greeted by 20 to 30 shoppers before Pamida opens at 6 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving

"It's kind of crazy," said Warner, a shift team leader at the Libby store, which will join retailers across the nation for what's traditionally considered the busiest shopping day of the year.

Historically the start of the Christmas shopping season, the day after Thanksgiving is when retailers traditionally operating at a financial loss from January through November make a profit during the holiday season.

One in three shoppers is expected to be out that day, according to the Media Buy Planner Web site.

Almost a third of those say they will spend more than $875 on gifts this season, while 17 percent plan to spend over $1,000, according to a poll from Maritz Research Inc.

Libby merchants hope to get a piece of the pie.

At Ace Home Center, the doors will open at 7 a.m., one hour earlier than most days, said manager Neil Bernardy.

"We have a big one-day sale," Bernardy said. "We do this every year. It just seems to start things off for the end of the year."

He guesses 15 to 20 shoppers could be waiting outside. In the past, most have looked for deals on electronics, including hand-held video games and sound systems.

"It's as supplies last," Bernardy said.

He expects all of the store's cash registers to be open, and noted that snowy weather is sometimes a plus.

"It's used as an excuse not to leave town," Bernardy said. "If the weather isn't good, we've had high success for keeping them in town."

Sears at 520 Mineral Ave. traditionally opens at 6 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. The downtown store this year will give away $10 gift cards to its first 25 customers.

"There's usually a line," said owner Gary Livesay. "Some will show by 5 a.m."

Livesay doesn't know what to expect this year.

"It's hard to tell, but we've had lines of up to 20 people."

Many will shop in Libby early and then head out of town, Livesay said.

"Most do come here first, and if they can't find what they need . . .," he said.

The day after Thanksgiving, however, is normally prosperous.

"That's usally a pretty good day because it starts the good sales and it's traditional for people to shop," Livesay said.

Homesteader's Ranch & Feed Supply at 1745 Highway 2 West expects a busy day.

"Two years ago the owner expanded the store so it's not just a feed store," said manager Vicki George. "We brought in clothing. We bought the merchandise from Ed's Threads. Last Christmas, we had so much more fun."

Homesteader's offers Levis, Woolrich and Carhartt at competitive prices, has an expanded pet section and does free gift wrapping.

"I think a lot of people leave town, but they don't need to," George said. "Our regular everyday price on Carhartts compares to the sale prices you will see in Kalispell."