Black Friday: Retailers pull out all stops to lure shoppers

Several area retailers are trying to entice local shoppers with huge sales and specials on Black Friday, but most say that their busiest times are in the morning before residents head to larger retailers and in the evenings when they return.

Judy Sapir, of Courtney’s Hallmark in Destrehan, said that Black Friday is always a big day for her business. This year, the store is offering 50 percent off sales on select shoes and boots, while also taking 50-75 percent off of select clothes and handbags.

Additionally, Courtney’s will have a jewelry set sale. Residents can get one set of jewelry for $10, two for $18 and three sets for $26.

By shopping locally at Courtney’s, Sapir said residents can “avoid the crowds, shop in peace and get great customer service.”

“We are always busy on Black Friday, especially in the morning when people are heading out to the malls and in the evening when they get back,” she said.

It’s All About You in Boutte also has some major sales taking place. All furniture in the store is 40 percent off, while the rest of the merchandise will be 25 percent off with a few exceptions.

And at It’s All About You residents get two days to save.

“Our sale will take place on both Friday and Saturday,” Jennifer Dotson, of It’s All About You, said. “We are expecting it to be really busy. Black Friday is usually a good day for us.”

The Basketry, in Luling, goes all out when celebrating Black Friday. The store opens at 6 a.m. and a limo give-a-way is planned for 8 a.m. The winner of the limo give-a-way will be driven around on an all day excursion with friends.

Benny Grunch also performs live at 1 p.m. and the store has several specials planned, including a promotion where shoppers can get 25 percent off everything they can fit into a fleur de lis JAM tote bag, which they must first purchase.

“This is definitely one of our biggest days and it’s really an all-day event,” Kristi Brocato, the store’s owner, said. “It’s just fun and it gives customers a reason to stick around without the pressure of buying something.”

Maison Décor, based in Boutte, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and will have savings up to 50 percent on select merchandise. The store sells home décor, has a selection of more than 800 fountains and is the largest independent retailer of Yankee Candles in the Greater New Orleans area.

Owner Shane Matherne said that his store’s variety of items always surprises customers.

“Black Friday has always been a very good day for us,” Matherne said. “We miss out on the early shoppers, who all head to big box retailers, but we get them when they get home and have been shopping since 4 a.m.”

Maison Décor will open at 8 a.m.