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Local shoppers carry on Black Friday tradition

BARGAIN HUNTERS — Sisters Sheila Rawson of New Cumberland, left, and Jennifer Ewaskey of Weirton were donning the right gear as they braved the crowds early today to catch some deals at the Fort Steuben Mall. Both said they were ready to go back in for a second trip while at the mall. -- Mark J. Miller

BARGAIN HUNTERS -- Sisters Sheila Rawson of New Cumberland, left, and Jennifer Ewaskey of Weirton were donning the right gear as they braved the crowds early today to catch some deals at the Fort Steuben Mall. Both said they were ready to go back in for a second trip while at the mall.  -- Mark J. Miller

BARGAIN HUNTERS — Sisters Sheila Rawson of New Cumberland, left, and Jennifer Ewaskey of Weirton were donning the right gear as they braved the crowds early today to catch some deals at the Fort Steuben Mall. Both said they were ready to go back in for a second trip while at the mall. — Mark J. Miller

STEUBENVILLE — The Fort Steuben Mall was bustling with shoppers early today eager to get their hands on what they hoped would be some great Black Friday deals.

The mall was closed on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, and retailers and shoppers were both expecting brisk shopping today, with most stores opening at 6 a.m. and staying open until 10 p.m.

Sheila Rawson of New Cumberland and her sister, Jennifer Ewaskey of Weirton, were at the doors waiting for stores to open at 6 a.m. They were wearing matching sweatshirts with the slogan, “Straight Outta My Way #BlackFriday.” Rawson said the two are diehard shoppers, ready to get their hands on some bargains.

“We shopped yesterday all day,” said Rawson, adding they were ready for more. “We went shopping with our mom.

“Our dad had open heart surgery Monday,” Rawson continued. “He made us promise (to go Black Friday shopping). We buy for our kids and our grandchildren.”

Rawson said the duo will be busy shopping “until we can’t go anymore,” and both said bargain hunting is high on their agendas.

“This is the best day for bargains. Your dollar stretches more,” Rawson said.

Chester Kiska, manager of Payless Shoesource inside the mall, said the store opened at 6 a.m., and he was expecting a busier than usual day today.

“I think it’s going to be busy (today) because we were closed Thanksgiving Day,” he said, adding shoppers looking for shoes can expect to find some bargains. “We’re having some specials today on casual moccasins and sports boots.”

Shopper Mike Armstrong of Marietta said he was visiting family and wanted to find some goodies for relatives while in the area.

“I’ve got a daughter here in Mingo Junction,” said Armstrong, adding other family members were visiting as well. “They are all still in bed right now. One of them had a birthday yesterday. I came looking for bargains and to see what’s out here.”

Armstrong said this was his first early Black Friday shopping experience.

“I don’t do this every year,” he noted.

Rachel Freeland, owner of the Scent Shop inside the mall, said shoppers visiting the retailer can expect personalized service from the family-owned business as well as deals galore.

“It’s absolutely insane here — in a good way — the day after Thanksgiving. We’re going to have a few tables with $5 and under items. We’re also going to have some gift sets for sale.”

Freeland said in the past tart warmers have sold well as Christmas gifts.

“I’m locally owned,” Freeland continued. “I graduated from Steubenville High School, and I’ve lived in Steubenville my entire life.”

Mary Stillwagon of Hopedale said she’s ventured out on Black Friday in the past.

“I’ve done it the last four years with my daughter,” said Stillwagon, who noted today was just a solo flight. “I wanted to come see all this and do some shopping. My husband went to work, so I was hoping to catch some bargains.”

Cody Timmons, manager of Spencer Gifts, also predicted higher than normal traffic in the store today.

“I’m sure being Black Friday will bring a lot more (shoppers), and more people than normal will be coming here,” he said. “We are going to have some items on sale.”

Karlie Vanderborne of Steubenville was there early with her twin cousins from Columbus, Ben and Jenna Tabor. All three said they were just looking for something to do.

“We’re just going to hang out,” said Ben Tabor.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)

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