NORMAN — Black Friday had some folks camping out in front of local outlet stores in order to compete for limited stock super sales. Technology, of course, rates high on the Christmas wish list for many, but the big box retail stores weren’t the only ones raking in Christmas greenbacks.
For some shoppers, keeping it local has its advantages — namely a more leisurely, less crowded shopping experience with better customer service and more unique gift offerings.
George Smith said five members of his family were out shopping on Friday.
“We live in Lawton,” he said. “You have wonderful shops here (in Norman). My daughter-in-law is a professional shopper. She knows where the best shops are.”
Smith said they focus on locally-owned businesses.
“The merchandise and the service is good,” Smith said.
A Cayman’s customer agrees.
“I prefer locally owned -over franchise,” said Tammy Stanfill of Houston Texas.
She shops many of the local stores when she’s in Norman for the weekend for University of Oklahoma football games. Black Friday is no exception, she’s just finding better deals this weekend, she said.
Rieta Selberg comes all the way from Germantown, Tenn. to attend OU home games and she loves shopping the local stores in Norman — In Your Dreams on Main Street is one of her favorites.
Most local stores will continue to run sales throughout the month. While the big box retails may not match the super low promotions that highlight Black Friday, many of the smaller, local businesses will be hosting special sale events on other days rather than compete with the big stores on Black Friday.
Brockhaus Jewelry is offering a gift card giveaway promotion with purchase.
“What we look at is trying to give our customers added value,” said Katherine Brockhaus.
The jewelry store will host a Trunk Showing on Dec. 1 featuring Andrea Candela silver and gold diamond and colored stone jewelry.
Like many small businesses with a low mark up that prohibits price slashing, Brockhaus said her business depends on quality goods and service to keep customers coming back.
Joy Hampton366-3539jhampton@normantranscript.com
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