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Black Friday is more trouble than it is worth in the bigger stores, said Barbara Reinken, owner of youth fashion store Stuf. But she is hoping that Greenwich residents patronize local businesses.
“People are smart. They know that all these ‘door-busters’ and unbelievable sales are not what they really seem to be,” Reinken said.
Drew Rider of Greenwich and I.G. Schottlaender of Darien were lured to Greenwich Avenue on Wednesday by a sale at J. Crew, but the two agreed they would “absolutely not” be camping out the night before Black Friday.
“Black Friday is something you just usually avoid,” Schottlaender said. “I know stores on Greenwich Avenue open early, but I certainly won’t be here to find out.”
Despite the frenzy of Black Friday, Rider and Schotlaender said they may venture to Walmart or Target later in the day to see what all the commotion is about.
Greenwich residents and sisters Ashley and Lana Richards were scouting for holiday present ideas on Greenwich Avenue. They said that with family in town, online deals offer a better way to shop.
“The roads are just crazy and so is parking,” Ashley said. “Hopefully the online shopping will keep some people home.”
Reinken said she has a feeling that small businesses in Greenwich will do well on Black Friday and beyond this holiday season.
“I’m not just saying that. I’ve seen it in the prices and the sales,” she said. “People are trying to support their local businesses because the economy is so bad.”
Buyers are “over” the idea that shopping in a small store means paying a higher price, Reinken said.
“It’s not true. There are tons of bargains and great prices in small stores,” she said.
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