One of the biggest shopping days of the year in Kinston took a back seat to a more convenient event for residents who came out Thursday instead.
The stores were relatively quiet on Friday, but were a complete contrast on Thursday night, when hundreds of shoppers flooded Vernon Park Mall, Kmart and Walmart to get an early start on Christmas shopping.
Kmart sales associate Dana Hill said she didn’t expect so many people to shop, but the department she works in — jewelry — was largely ignored.
“(Thursday) night was crazy because of how many people were here,” Hill said. “Everyone wanted to go to the electronics section and take advantage of the deals.”
One shopper, Wayne Hill from Pink Hill, brought a tape measure to the store to size up television sets.
“I wanted to make sure it fit my entertainment center,” Hill said.
Goody’s store manager Lisa Wooten said she believed many more people came out Thursday compared to Friday because of the better times and similar savings.
“We had the same sales for Thanksgiving night, so there aren’t as many people participating in Black Friday,” Wooten said. “Most of them had already seen what we had and got what we had. People weren’t just browsing, they were shopping.”
J.C. Penney floor manager Rosa Barrow said the company extended hours in order to stay with other department stores, with successful results.
“We’re trying to keep up with our competitors, like Macy’s, Target and Belk,” Barrow said. “By 7:30, the parking lot was full and by 7:45, people were knocking on the door. I didn’t think it was going to be that crazy.”
Deep Run resident Tyler Tharpe said he took advantage of the sales on Thursday night and Friday morning.
“I don’t see much of a difference other than a couple things I was able to get on Thursday,” Tharpe said.
Kinston resident Lou Franklin said she went to the stores on Thanksgiving Day, but wanted to pick up a couple of additional items at a discount.
“I just came out here to get a gift card and find some sales,” Franklin said.
There are some who still carry on the tradition of Black Friday. Kinston resident Michelle Haddock said she enjoys the day.
“I came out here for the lower prices and excitement,” Haddock said.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.