Black Friday: Booming Bay Area Economy May Boost Sales This Season
EMERYVILLE (KCBS)—Bay Area consumers are likely to buy more than others around the country this holiday season because of the pace of the economic recovery here, according to some economists.
With many retail stores opening on Thursday, lines on Friday morning were not so long at Bay Street in Emeryville. Shoppers were polite and there was no pushing or shoving and everyone was getting deals.
Bay Area Black Friday: Booming Economy Expected To Boost Retail Sales This Season
Shawna Atkins, from San Leandro, had been shopping at Walmart, Toys "R" Us. Target and other stores since 6 p.m. Friday and was able to score an Xbox for $99, a trampoline for $150 and sweatpants at sweatpants at Old Navy for 50 percent off.
Atkins, with her trunk loaded with goods, said she agreed with some economists' theory that because the Bay Area is leading the nation in the economic recovery, the shopping will be more robust this year.
"I don't think I was out here a couple of years ago. I was like, 'No, it's not worth it' and now it's like, "We can come out here now," she said.
"I don't know what's changed but it is true; it just does feel a little different than a couple of years ago."
Black Friday is also the day that cities encourage people to shop locally as mom-and-pop shops, artists and boutiques often count on the season for yearly survival.
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