Marissa Wagner

When the clock strikes midnight on Thanksgiving, bargain shoppers will be out in force. Marissa Wagner has more in this Bobcat Update.

(WAGNER…_ seconds…busy fast)"The day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for retail stores. The discounts offered on "Black Friday" brings shoppers from all over. With hundreds of stores in one location, the San Marcos outlet malls get busy fast."
Black Friday doesn't start until right after midnight on November 25th, but for store managers and employees planning for the event starts much earlier.
(JOE GOMEZ..._seconds…long term) "Really preparation starts about six weeks prior to Thanksgiving weekend, and as in years past we try and focus not just for that weekend, but for the long term."
A big boost in customer service and merchandise sales means store managers also have to increase the number of employees they have on hand that day, which can be difficult.
(JOE SEGURA…__sec…centers here.)"We go from a minimal staff of about 50, to the max of doubling it. So, having to find people like that, here for the store is very difficult, because obviously you have to compete with all the other centers here."
The past few years have been difficult for retailers, but Black Friday has been the exception. Stores nationwide grossed more than ten (B) billion dollars on the day in 2010, and some retailers hope the same or better will happen this year.
(JOE SEGURA…_sec…for us.)"Our numbers are actually still the same, some are even better than last year. We really didn't see that much of a difference. Everything came out at more of a positive for us."
With so many shoppers hitting the doors at one time, preparation is the most important thing for employees.
(JOE GOMEZ….___sec….before hand.)"Once you get here that morning, or the evening before, it's just about turning on the lights and letting it happen, it's not, it's pretty smooth, should be pretty smooth, if you've done your work before hand."
No matter what your reason is for shopping Black Friday -- whether you're trying to save money or walk off some turkey weight -- the San Marcos outlet stores will be ready for you. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marissa Wagner.