Dar Brosius of Williamsport does her shopping on Black Friday at Goodwill in downtown Williamsport. Dozens of shoppers packed the store looking for bargain deals for the holidays.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The Black Friday sales in Greater Williamsport brought out scores of holiday shoppers, most of them looking for half price off deals in city and area stores or significant reductions in regular retail prices.
Just before the doors opened, the line grew long outside of Goodwill, 621 Hepburn St., Williamsport, and inside the store was buzzing with activity.
“Prices can’t be beat,” said Tateonah Harris, who was shopping for herself and her 2-year-old son. Shoes, shirts and sweaters were in her cart.
Harris said she previously worked at Goodwill and now is working at Family Dollar.
She was glad to be healthy and able to shop, especially on Black Friday, when the store deals are unbeatable.
A line of dozens of shoppers make their way into the Goodwill store looking for bargain deals for the holidays shopping on Black Friday in downtown Williamsport.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Joanne Miller, 74, of Williamsport, had a bicycle she was rolling toward the store front check out. It was for her. She hadn’t been on one for 40 years and besides walking said she wanted to ride the bike again for exercise.
Most of the items in the store were half priced, with the exception of new goods, a store clerk said.
Otto Bookstore at 107 W. Fourth St. said the team there was already seeing the holiday shopping kicking into gear ahead of Black Friday.
“One of the funnier ideas we are kicking around is a very blatant display for guys who seriously don’t know what to buy for their wives or girlfriends,” said John Shableski, store owner.
Likewise, he added, Otto recommended books for guys who love Penn State or the outdoors. Along with that, Otto was celebrating with free coffee, cider and gift wrapping.
Dozens of shoppers packed the store looking for bargain deals for the holidays shopping on Black Friday at Goodwill in downtown Williamsport.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
After Black Friday, today was “Shop Local Saturday,” also known as Small Business Saturday, and that has become quite an event for downtown stores.
“We’ve been open on Sundays for several months now so we’ll be curious as to how Sunday sales shakes out,” Shableski said.
Next door to Otto, Gustonian Gifts has over 80 local and national based artisans who create one-of-a-kind pieces. The store at 357 Pine St. The city, meanwhile, has provided, courtesy of the Williamsport Parking Authority, downtown shoppers with free parking from 3 p.m. on, starting with Black Friday and running through Christmas Eve.
Black Friday was busy, according to Karen and Francis Ciccarelli, owners of The Clothier, 138 W. Fourth St., the city and area’s premiere men’s wear clothing store.
“We already have customers wanting and scheduling before hour appointments to avoid the rush,” Karen Ciccarelli said before the doors opened.
Truly, Black Friday (and the remainder of the holidays) brings in local customers as well as out-of-town customers that are here visiting for the holiday weekend, Karen said.
“With our large inventory some of our customers come from as far as New York City, Boston,” she said. “Others do phone orders from California, Ohio and other areas.”
We are looking forward to a good holiday season for the Clothier and all of Downtown Williamsport, the Ciccarelli’s said. The store offers 50% off on Cutter and Buck sport shirts, select crew neck sweaters, and select leather bombers.
“Our Vineyard Vine sport shirts and select topcoats are one-third off,” Karen noted.
The Mulberry Moose, a unique toy store on Mulberry Street, close to Little League Boulevard, has 15 % Grinch plush on Black Friday. Today, there is 15 % off all dress-up clothes, jewelry and hats. For those spending over $25, they will receive a small gift.
There is a contest at Mulberry Moose whereby those who enter have a chance to win a $50 gift card and NeeDoh advent calendar.
Between Dec 1 and 7, the story is offering 15 % off Bruder Trucks.
Patinaz, 38 W. Fourth St., noted sales were okay, possibly due to the rain and snow mix, but the store was looking forward to today’s Small Business Saturday customers.
Honeyella, 416 William St., offered deals and gifts to dress the entire family, including neutral pieces for men, women and baby.
“People were here at 8: 30 a.m. and we open at 9 a.m.,” said Judy from Kliney’s Furniture on Route 150 between Avis and Woolrich.
“People are buying whether they think furniture is on sale or not,” she said. When they walk in the door and see furniture is reduced, they are excited and buying.”
Of course, the store will be open for Small Business Saturday.
Over at Smith Furniture in Lock Haven the store associate said the store was having an extra 10 % off everything in the store.
Miller’s Furniture in Mill Hall, which offers furniture, mattresses and accessories, was very busy.
For those heading out today, the weather should be cooperative, but dress warm. It’s starting to feel like winter as an Arctic blast arrives, bringing temperatures down and with an expected high of 35. Gusts of wind could be as high as 24 mph.