CHANDLER-- Local retailers are finally reporting some good economic news, after Black Friday sales increased significantly.
Six malls across the Valley started Black Friday hours at midnight, instead of waiting to open doors to the masses in the morning. It was a first-time effort to reign in shoppers in a slumping economy.
"We didn't really know what to expect for the first time, so it's definitely very encouraging," said Devon Hoffman, senior marketing manager of Chandler Fashion Center.
Hoffman said traffic through the mall increased by 20 percent over last year. She said the numbers give businesses hope for the coming holiday season.
"We see so many testimonials from retailers that they exceeded their projected sales numbers," said Hoffman.
Locally owned and operated businesses across the Valley also saw better numbers. Salesman Vince Favia, of Spencer's Appliances in Scottsdale, said the dismal economic trend seems to be turning.
"Most of the day yesterday, there were more customers than sales people, and I can't remember any day where that has happened," said Favia. "I would easily say it was 50 percent better than last year."
Even if you missed the big day, it doesn't mean you missed the deals. Many stores are extending their sales through tomorrow, and retailers are doing what they can to lure in customers, marking down merchandise and pushing less expensive items.
Some of the stores that extended their Black Friday sales through Sunday at Chandler Fashion Center include:
Eddie Bauer: 25 Percent off all merchandise.
Limited: 35 Percent off all merchandise.
New York Co.: 50 Percent off all merchandise.
The following Westcor shopping centers around the Valley will be holding special holiday promotional giveaways of $1,000 every Friday until Christmas. Registration is from 3PM to 5PM and you must be there to win when a name is drawn at 5PM.
Arrowhead Towne Center: Glendale
Chandler Fashion Center: Chandler
Fiesta Mall: Mesa
Metrocenter: Phoenix
Paradise Valley Mall: Phoenix
Superstition Springs Center: Mesa
"There are a lot of other additional sales planned from now until Christmas," said Hoffman. "Black Friday is the traditional kickoff to the holiday season, but we also saw a lot of the retailers start their promotions earlier in November, and retailers and economists are calling it "Black November" because retailers have been so aggressive this year in their promotions."
Favia said he has seen economic downturn and recovery before throughout his years of selling appliances.
"It's definitely on the way up," he said. "No question about it."
