It kicks off the holiday shopping season, but black Friday doesn't always run as smooth as many hope it does.
This year– safety is the number one concern for retailers in the siouxland area.
The biggest shopping day of the year is right around the corner, but before the doors open on black Friday, there's a lot of planning that goes into the day to ensure your safety.
Whether we want to admit it or not, the holidays are right around the corner.
What better way to start crossing items of the wish list– then by waking up super early the day after Thanksgiving for the biggest shopping day of the year– Black Friday.
"Customers are out in a good mood, ready for the holiday. We have great deals for them so let alone are they happy to be shopping, but they're going to get a good deal that day." Says Zack with Best Buy.
The mood may be exciting outside, but that can all change in the blink of an eye.
When doors were opened to an anxious mob at a Wal–Mart in Long Island, New York on black Friday last year– a worker was trampled to death.
This year– safety is the number one concern.
"Given past year's events at other stores, that is definitely going to be something that we focus on. But yea, it's something we consider very important and we take very serious" Says Carol Jensen with Target.
Standing in line for what can feel like days, can cause tempers to flare and patience to wear thin once the pushing and shoving starts.
To make sure everyone– from the shoppers to the check out clerks– stay safe, stores are stepping up their safety measures.
"People standing in line, they get tickets so when we open the door its not like an all free for all where everyone can just run in and grab it." Says Zack.
"I have three or four people that will be stationed out front, they will be watching the line, and making sure we don't have people jumping the carts once the doors open. Just keep everyone informed on how the line will be moving just so we can have a safe and enjoyable shopping day for everybody." Adds Jensen.
From crowd control to a ticket system, this black Friday will be a safe one in Siouxland.
