ABILENE, Texas — Black Friday is known for big crowds, but even bigger bargains.
We talked to some shoppers who were out seeing what kind of deals they could snag before Christmas.
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“We’re in Abilene to see family, you know, for the Thanksgiving holidays, and we thought while we were here, we would get out and find some of the Black Friday deals,” Michelle Carson, a visitor from Louisiana, said.
For Carson and her husband, it’s about making the most of a holiday visit, but for other shoppers, like Jordan Nevil, it’s all about finding a good deal.
“I got some money in my pocket, it’s burning my hands,” Nevil said. “So we’re going to see what happens.”
Whether shoppers were on the hunt for a new bike, a grill for Dad, or even a bottle of butter, Carson said there’s something for everyone this Black Friday.
Black Friday shoppers found deals on many goods, even these bottles of butter. (KTXS/Copeland Welch)
“Abilene has a lot to offer and a lot of stores that we don’t have in Louisiana, so we’re taking advantage of it while we’re here,” she said.
Shoppers were everywhere, looking for deals on everything from a new pair of socks to the perfect golf club cover.
Golf club covers at Academy Sports + Outdoors. (KTXS/Copeland Welch)
While many were browsing the aisles, Nevil said he had a very specific shopping list.
“Looking for some shoes and then, I’m a big gun collector, so I got to find my bullets, possibly get a new firearm,” he said. “We gonna see what happens.”
With deal signs on every aisle and shopping carts filled to the top, it may look chaotic, but Nevil said this year isn’t anything like the Black Friday he remembers from his childhood.
Black Friday in Abilene: Local shoppers looking for great holiday deals (KTXS/Copeland Welch)
“To be honest, it changed a lot,” Nevil said. “Like when I was in ninth grade, you had to rush to the line, I had to push people out the way. It calmed down a lot versus where we are right now. So I don’t know what changed, but it seems like it’s more relaxed, people chilling, everybody getting what they need, and you know, no problems. Fingers crossed.”
Carson admits it’s not the same as it used to be, but it’s the fun and excitement of the season that keeps her coming back.
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“I went back in the day when it was mass, and everybody got up at 4 a.m. and went, which I’ve seen change through the years and stuff, but it’s just a time to get out and enjoy and just the festivities and get in the mood for the holidays,” she said.
Now, many shoppers we spoke to say Black Friday doesn’t look the same as it used to, but the tradition of coming back year after year hasn’t changed.
