Local retailers will be kicking off another Christmas shopping season Friday with sales and Black Friday deals.
Black Friday – which has traditionally been the day that most retailers break even for the year as the holiday shopping season begins – is losing some of its luster these days, but local shops are still planning the traditional sales to lure shoppers into their stores.
Some retailers, such as Daniel Perez, manager of the Main Avenue Radio Shack, believe Black Friday has become less profitable and more of a tradition.
“It’s our third best day,” he said, adding that the weekend before Christmas is his top-selling period.
Still, Radio Shack, which has been at its current location since 1985, will offer a variety of electronics this year.
Radio Shack will open its doors at 8 a.m., allowing shoppers to visit the early-opening stores such as Walmart, Perez said. The store’s Black Friday sales will continue through Saturday, but the deals are good only as long as supplies last, which could be just a few hours, he said.
“People have to get here early, he said. “Last year, we were packed.”
Perez said he’s requested to have toys discounted 30 percent off for several years in a row, and this time he was happy be able to discount selected toys up to 50 percent off.
“I am ecstatic,” Perez said.
Kelly’s Cowboy Co. will be hosting its fourth Black Friday sale. The store, on South Camino del Rio, sells a variety of boots, hats, clothing and western items. The manager, Michelle McCoy, said the store will be having a 30 percent off sale from 8 to 10 a.m. The discounts will drop to 20 percent off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then return to 30 percent from 5 until 6 p.m.
Dreams of Tibet on Main Avenue will also be in the holiday spirit with its Black Friday sale. Its sale will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The store’s owner, Karma Bhotia, said most of his merchandise will be 40 percent off. Silver jewelry and gemstones will be 15 percent off.
Bhotia believes it is important to support the local economy. He enjoys his yearly Black Friday sales because the money people spend helps keep revenue in town, he said. It’s also a nice way for locals to save money on merchandise, he said.
Larger corporations always have good sales, he said, but that money doesn’t help the local economy.
“I would like to support the local people,” he said.
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
