‘Exhilarating’ day for Black Friday shoppers

The streets of Hamilton are filled with shoppers getting a head start on Christmas shopping with fantastic Black Friday deals.

Close to 30 stores in Hamilton were offering deep discounts today on various items including phones, clothing, shoes, home goods and much more.

Sales began as early as midnight with Cell One and Arnold’s Warehouse. The Phoenix Stores opened at 4am with Gibbons not far behind at 5am.

AS Coopers opened at 6am.

The best deals were early in the morning with 40 percent off storewide in Brown & Co, Gibbons, The Annex Toys.

Just before 9am, quite a few shoppers were seen coming out of Gibbons Company with large bags, likely pillows and/or bedding as both were offered with large discounts.

Shoppers were lined outside the stores as DJ iBreeze got the party going in the cold, dark morning.

Jacquelyn Napier-Marsh, buyer for the Annex arrived at work at 2:45am and will be there until 9pm when the store closes.

“It’s been pretty exhilarating. It's been nice to see as many people as we did this morning.

“People came out with their lists to shop. We were happy to see the crowds.”

She continued: “People were very focused. They weren’t dilly-dallying. They knew exactly where to go.

“People came in earlier this week and were taking notes. They were waiting for the sale.

“They came out in droves which was a nice thing.”

The Annex is offering 25 percent off all day today and tomorrow.

This afternoon, shoppers were still buzzing in around town with lines in Phoenix, Brown & Co and the various departments of Gibbons Company.

Streets were filled with customers dragging shopping bags.

Kaitlyn Simmons, buyer for the Home and Goods section of Gibbons Company expects the department to be filled with shoppers after work.

“I didn’t work this morning because I will here until 9pm, but from what I heard, it’s been crazy busy.

“We’re trying to restock our stuff now because everything’s been selling out.

“Everybody has been excited about the discounts and making sure they get their shopping done early.”

She continued: “We’re hoping for those people who couldn’t make it this morning and can’t make it during work hours to come after work.

“We’re open until 9pm and there is 30 percent off in the home goods section.

“We have great prices on the entertaining stuff for Christmas.”