photo by: Kailey Carpino
Shoppers browse the stores inside the Ohio Valley Mall on Friday morning on the hunt for Black Friday sales. Marketing Director Candi Noble-Greathouse said that over 300 waited in line for the mall to open.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Hundreds of shoppers lined up outside of the Ohio Valley Mall on Friday morning for Black Friday sales. Doors opened at 6 a.m.
Marketing Director Candi Noble-Greathouse said that the first 200 shoppers outside the main entrance doors ages 18 and older with a valid ID received free shopping totes full of coupons, fliers, gift cards and treats.
Noble-Greathouse said that the first shopper in line waited at the doors since 9 p.m. on Thursday.
“There were over 300 people in line. … The line went pretty quick, though,” she said.
After doors opened Friday morning, Noble-Greathouse said that shoppers got to redeem their prizes and begin shopping.
“There’s a lot of great deals,” she said.
She added that the most popular stores include Victoria’s Secret and PINK, Boscov’s and Dunham’s Sports.
“We’ve also had a lot of people buy video games. Everybody has different interests and different shopping plans,” she said.
DJ Daner provided music in the mall’s center court from 6 a.m. until noon.
The Salvation Army also partnered with the mall to offer free “Minute to Win It” games for shoppers to enjoy. The Salvation Army also had a gift-wrapping station set up and was collecting donations to help those in need.
“It brings cheer,” Noble-Greathouse said.
The mall also had more kiosks set up than normal. Hickory Farms and other temporary holiday stores have also opened up for the holiday season.
Shopper Angela Goettle said that she got to the mall around 5:45 a.m. Friday morning and was one of the last shoppers to receive a free shopping bag. She said that the line looked a little longer this year.
She said that she goes Black Friday shopping every year with her friends and family, but the group does split up in the mall to cover more stores.
“This is a tradition for us. We look forward to it every year. It can be hard to get up at 3 in the morning, but we love it,” she said.
Local business owner Joyce Colon just opened up shop in the mall on Monday. Her new store, Cocollana’s Style, offers women’s and children’s clothing. She said that the store was fairly busy on Friday.
Colon said that the store saw a lot of business on Friday. All summer clothes were 50% off, and all other items were 20% off.
Colon said that the store was previously located on Main Street in St. Clairsville.
Olive Branch Christian Gifts, another new, small business, also benefited from the Black Friday crowds. Co-owner Dave St. Aubin said that the store was “pretty busy.” The store opened near the beginning of the month.
Everything in the store was 15% off, and St. Aubin said that all items will be 10% off on Saturday for Small Business Saturday. He also said that the store will have a wreath giveaway on Saturday with no purchase necessary.
On Saturday, new stores at the mall will have open houses and give away coupons.
According to a press release for the Ohio Valley Mall, “Shoppers will receive a passport to shop small and are invited to visit four small businesses and receive four stamps in their passports. Once completed, the shopper will take their passport to Customer Service to enter to win an Ohio Valley Mall gift card.”
