‘We’ve been busy… and it’s exhausting:’ retailers say Black Friday growing in Lethbridge

Black Friday is getting busier for both consumers and retailers in Lethbridge.

In the city’s downtown core, almost every business, salon and even some restaurants advertised sales.

“It allows for a larger demographic to come and visit us and discover what kinds of shops and services and even dining opportunities that we have available down here,” Melissa Johnson, the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone’s marketing coordinator, said.

Black Friday is serious business for Western Stockman assistant manager Lacey Odonnell.  She and another co-worker slept at the store the night before so they could be there to open the doors right at 6 a.m.

“We’ve been busy ever since and it’s exhausting,” Odonnell said.

Some businesses are hoping to spark a giving spirit, only providing a discount if customers bring an item for the food bank.

“(There’s the) typical giant craziness, everybody fighting over a TV – we want to do something different and give back to the community,” Wallie Desruisseaux, owner of Kapow Ltd. Comics, Cards and Games, said. “So you do get discounts and really good discounts, but if – and only if – you bring a donation.”

Several Lethbridge retailers told Global News the numbers of shoppers they see on Black Friday is beginning to be comparable with Boxing Day.

Many customers seem to be leaving with their hands full and smiling.

“Prices are getting much better,” Brian Lutchmeesingh, a Black Friday shopper, said. “When it first started, it wasn’t that great, but now I think stores are starting to really get into it.”

This is Best Buy’s third year participating in Black Friday and the store’s general manager says it’s important for the electronics store to offer bargains on Black Friday.

“It’s very important that we offer the same value people can get by going across the border,” Steve Watt, the general manager at Best Buy in Lethbridge, said.

Next year, many business are planning to take part in Black Friday again. Several business owners said they are hoping to make the so-called “shopping holiday” a time to shop local.