Black Friday - Lots of Shoppers In Elk Grove

I ventured out a little before 4:00 am this morning, to see what was happening retail wise around the Elk Grove area. Mervyn's parking lot looked the way it might normally appear on a Saturday afternoon. Some of the people waiting in line for a Mervyn's credit voucher, worth ten dollars, had been standing for more than an hour - according to what I heard. There was even a limo in front of the store. I guess that group must have worked in shifts, or something on that order. You'd need to save a lot on your purchases, to make a limo worthwhile! That's a new strategy. One that I had not seen before.

The three hundred and fifty vouchers were given out at Mervyn's in just a couple of minutes. Some people were upset, because there were a few people who walked through the doors after cutting in the line. I didn't see any security near the entrance - just the huddled masses trying to claim their reward for standing out in the cold. It probably could have gotten ugly, but it didn't.

There were considerably more people shopping on Black Friday this year than last - at least in Elk Grove. Elk Grove has grown significantly over the last year and you really sense the the growth when you visit our commercial establishments. Retail outlets have also increased. Next year will bring even more commercial growth to the area. After a decade of planning, our first "mall" will open. That will bring even more shoppers to Elk Grove, along with a lot more traffic. If this Black Friday was any indication, next year should really be something!

I ended up buying a couple of photo items and a flannel shirt jacket. As long as you are not bothered by the crowds, it can be an interesting day to shop. We've still got another big discount day left this year. The day after Christmas. I'll probably venture out on Dec 26th - just to see what's happening and to maybe find a bargain. You'll never know, if you don't venture out!