Video: Mall at Barnes Crossing Pulls up Sleeves for Black Friday

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — The busiest time of year for retail is upon us. Merchants throughout our area are ready for the start of the Christmas shopping season, and it’s starting earlier this year.

Inside Reed’s Department Store at the Mall at Barnes Crossing, employees are hard at work on this Thanksgiving Eve.

Reed’s Department Store Manager Claude Clayton said he will have 30 employees working Black Friday. In fact, Black Friday starts on Thursday. The store will open at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day, with lots of specials for the early shoppers.

“We have more inventory then we had last year, so we’re kind of geared up to have a bigger sales day this year,” Clayton said.

Many stores are opening Thanksgiving Day, while some are opening early Friday.

Mall at Barnes Crossing Manager Jeff Snyder says the extended hours could mean less traffic and congestion.

“Those hours are spread out so long throughout those two days, that instead of everybody hitting the door at one time for doorbusters, they are spread out throughout the day,” Snyder said. “So, traffic will be steady as opposed to one explosion of congestion.”

For those who don’t want to battle big crowds, Snyder suggests shopping on Monday or Tuesday, when crowds are smaller. Still, he knows some shoppers like the rush and the hectic pace.

“The main thing is, take your time, be careful and even when you are shopping, take a break every now and then,” Snyder said. “Just enjoy the day.”

With extended hours, merchants are hoping for big crowds and hefty sales.

The Mall at Barnes Crossing serves customers from Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.

Categories: Local News

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