Shoppers find Black Friday deals at local businesses

Shoppers across the country were out looking for the best deals during Black Friday sales, with some shoppers starting as early as Thursday.

According to the National Retail Federation, more than 140 million customers are expected to take advantage of in-store and online discounts and deals through the holiday weekend.

It was no different for businesses in Bessemer and Ironwood.

Steiger’s Home Center in Bessemer celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday, offering sales starting Wednesday. The sales are good through Sunday, with a couple special promotions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Popular items have been the drills and drill bits, said an employee.

Abelman Clothing & Footwear in Bessemer has specials going on throughout the holiday season.

Discounted items include socks, some jackets, women’s slippers, junior apparel, certain brands of adult footwear and junior apparel and more.

Abelman’s also has holiday hours on Sundays from noon until 4 p.m.

Shoppers in Kmart in Ironwood said they were mostly shopping for family and trying to get good deals. A few customers were looking at new Christmas trees on special.

Kmart opened at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving and did not close until midnight after Black Friday, staying open a total of 42 consecutive hours.

According to manager Dan Reed, sales “have been really good.

“Electronics, toys and jewelry are big sellers,” he said.

Reed also said many people were in on Thanksgiving Day, but said “it’s been like that for the last couple years.”

Customers at Dunham’s Sports in Ironwood were interested in the clothing sales on T-shirts and sweatshirts. Other shoppers came for Black Friday deals on sporting goods.

Maurices clothing store in Ironwood is offering its sale specials all weekend long and the store did not open on Thursday.

“Thanksgiving is family time,” said manager Trudy Schellinger.

Seventy percent of those surveyed by the NRF agreed, saying all stores should be closed for the holiday.

Schellinger said Maurices thinks about the “everyday woman” who might have to work all day during Black Friday.

“You feel like you are missing out, but you still get to be a part of it,” she said about extending the deals through Sunday.

Ben Franklin employee Barb Adams said the store has been “busy, busy, busy.” The store in downtown Ironwood opened at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Store employee Kathy Pertile said craft items, yarns and fabrics tend to be good sellers.

“Lazy-ones pajamas are popular, too,” Pertile said.

The Purse Palace opened at 8 a.m. on Black Friday.

Store owner Lisa Delich said she was one of the only places in downtown Ironwood open that early.

“I had people in here 15 minutes after I opened,” she said.

Delich was offering door-buster deals from 8 to 11 a.m., giving customers a mini purse with every purchase and a free messenger bag with every $100 purchase.

“I’ve already given away two of them today,” said Delich around 10:30 a.m.

Delich also had drinks and treats out for Black Friday shoppers.

Even though Black Friday is a huge shopping day in the United States, 70 percent of individuals the NRF surveyed said the day is meaningless because sales will continue throughout the holiday season.

In keeping with holiday shopping names, today is Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday online deals start the new week.