Shoppers hunt for Black Friday deals
Nov. 25—DICKSON CITY — Marisa Wnuk and Ashley Piwowarski, both 32 of Scott Twp., enjoy venturing out to shop each Black Friday morning, but they noticed a drastic change this year following a trip to Target.
"The deals were definitely totally different than what they normally are," Wnuk said. "Today, I only got what I needed."
They were among a steady flow of customers who exited the store with a cart full of merchandise on a chilly, overcast morning.
Jessica Bowers, 36, of Dalton, and her husband, Anthony, began their shopping voyage around 4:30 a.m. and were still going strong nearly five hours later as they left Macy's with several bags.
Bowers already made several online purchases but didn't want to miss out on the hustle and bustle of the day.
"I really didn't need too much today, but I just wanted to see all the other people running around," she said.
Shoppers who headed to Macy's, Old Navy and Target discussed their best finds of the day.
Jessica Bowers, 36, Dalton
Q: What brought you out on Black Friday?
A: I just like to be out in the madness. I don't usually get stuff I actually need; I just get stuff that's on sale. I feel like I'm given the day off of work for this, so I better take advantage of it.
Q: What's the best deal you got?
A: 60% off clothes for her daughters (at Old Navy).
Q: Will inflation impact your holiday spending this year?
A: Definitely. I think in past years I would get stuff just because (my daughters) might like it and to have more presents under the tree, but now I'm not going to spend money on something I'm not sure they're going to like. We're doing more experiences like weekend getaways over stuff to unwrap.
Ashley Piwowarski, 32, Scott Twp.Q: What brought you out on Black Friday?
A: I do it every year for the chaos.
Q: What's the best deal you got?
A: Sweaters for 30% off (at Target).
Q: Will inflation impact your holiday spending this year?
A: No. It didn't stop me.
Marisa Wnuk, 32, Scott Twp.Q: What brought you out on Black Friday?
A: It's tradition — I go every year.
Q: What's the best deal you got?
A: An air fryer — discounted from $229 to $149 (at Target).
Q: Will inflation impact your holiday spending this year?
A: No. I have two kids who want toys, so I'm going to make sure I get them regardless.
Tami Mangan, 52, ScrantonQ: What brought you out on Black Friday?
A: The deals.
Q: What's the best deal you got?
A: They had coats on sale for 50% off (at Macy's).
Q: Will inflation impact your holiday spending this year?
A: No. I'm just sucking it up.
Thomas Robinson, 16, DunmoreQ: What brought you out on Black Friday?
A: A few weeks ago, I decided to ask some people if they wanted to come with me. I always wanted to go Black Friday shopping.
Q: What's the best deal you got?
A: An Xbox mini fridge for $100 (at Target).
Q: Will inflation impact your holiday spending this year?
A: I don't think so. I think it's reasonably priced for what I'm getting.
Kelly Zagwoski, 42, Lake ArielQ: What brought you out on Black Friday?
A: It's tradition. I've gone with my mom for a lot of years, and now I'm here with my kids and my niece.
Q: What's the best deal you got?
A: Stacking blocks and a brick sorter — buy one, get one 50% off — and books — buy two, get one free (at Target).
Q: Will inflation impact your holiday spending this year?
A: No, not really, We're kind of lucky.
Contact the writer: rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @rtomkavage on Twitter.
