Black Friday sales up for area businesses

By KIM E. STROM

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A general consensus of three businesses - one each in Wakefield, Bessemer and Ironwood - showed sales were up from last year's Black Friday.

"It's been tremendous," said Karen Stevens, the owner of The Leather and Gift Shop in Bessemer, regarding sales during Black Friday's shopping day.

"It was really busy," said Nanette Paquette, who owns Nanette's Knits and Gifts in Wakefield. "We're fully stocked. It's been busier this year. There were lots of out-of-town people, but a lot of local people too. It was heartwarming," she said.

Paquette also said business was "catching on" and that she had done some advertising. "It's going really well," she said.

A local shopper at Walmart in Ironwood said she had started shopping the previous night as Black Friday began at some stores early. But she was back. "I got a really good deal on three (items that will go to her children)," said Terri Feezor of Ironwood. "And I bought another for the fourth," she said.

"It was busier this year," local customer service manager Erin Johnson said of Black Friday's sales. "Everyone was really nice. And everyone seemed to be in a good mood," she said.

Tara Baisden of Ironwood was shopping Friday and mentioned getting good deals on a couple of items. "I didn't have to fight to get here," she said of the shopping experience.