Posted at: 11/27/2009 11:20 PM | WHEC.com
Updated at: 11/27/2009 11:25 PM
By: Linzi Sheldon

Black Friday madness

Millions of people went searching for sales on Friday and kicked off the holiday shopping season.

The question is: Will all those bargain-hunters give the economy a boost?

At Eastview Mall on Friday night, the sales were still going... but most of the crowds were already gone.

"We got here about 1:30 p.m. so we weren't the ones who were here at the crack of dawn," Tina Quigley said.

For those last few early-morning shoppers, the day was nearly over.

"I'm actually shopped out," Rich Kozera said. "I want to go home and sleep."

Last year's holiday shopping season was the worst in more than 30 years.

But Eastview's general manager says things are looking up. With help from Black Friday, sales are 4 to 6-percent higher than last year.

"The lines have been good and the sales have been wonderful," Quigley said.

Saving a buck or two brought plenty of people to other stores early Friday morning.

"I just like the craziness and the people running around trying to get the deals and stuff," Abby McFeaters said.

People flooded into Target in Henrietta to get deep discounts on items like Nintendo Wiis and flat-screen TVs.

"It's just a fun tradition for us and we look forward to it every year," Sue Maniace said.

At the outlet mall in Waterloo, there were more chances for cheap Christmas shopping.

"Especially with the economy the now, I think it's great that stores are offering the good deals," Ronnie Ponto said.

"It's great," Amanda Wilson said. "I'm able to get double what I'd normally get if i didn't come."

Even people who slept in say it was worth stopping by the mall. They got some decent sales while kicking off the holiday shopping season.

"Black Friday has been good to us," Pam Leathersich said. "I like the festivities and all the hustle and bustle."

The shopping craziness isn't over yet. Cyber Monday marks the day when people head back to work and hit their computers for online shopping.

Shoppers can expect some serious discounts, exclusive web-only and one-day sales, and a lot of free shipping.