Black Friday mania attracts many, detracts others

November 25, 2015 5:42 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE – Black Friday is almost here and shoppers facing that mad dash are getting ready.

At Providence Place Mall Wednesday, several shoppers were planning out test runs of items they’re gunning for on Friday. Rachel Cloutier of Bristol, who will be braving these sales for the first time, feels she’s ready to join countless others in the hustle and bustle. “I’m in college so I don’t have that kind of money to spend all the time, so Black Friday is definitely going to be my day,” she said.

As stores tempt you with outrageous deals, it doesn’t hurt to do your homework before you decide to brave the long lines. “We’re comparing online to what we can find in the stores, to see if there’s a better deal here or if we can get it online” explained Rebecca Paquette of South Kingstown.

Other shoppers are hoping to avoid the whole Black Friday ordeal altogether. They can still save money using apps like RetailMeNot, which always offers store coupons, and price-comparing websites to help find the best deals. Danielle Dirocco of Narragansett is a fan of these options. “I find something I want or I know I’m going to get anyway, I [decide]: what exactly can I pay, what are my possible options here,” she said.

About half of holiday shoppers will be making their purchases online this year.