Local retailers prepare for Black Friday

Garner, N.C. — With the state’s unemployment rate for October at 11 percent, retail stores are hoping consumers still spend money on Black Friday.

Mark Vogel, who shopped Monday in Garner, said he is probably going to spend less this year.

“Before we didn’t stick to a budget, we just kinda saw it and bought it,” Vogel said.

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Local stores prepare for Black Friday

Tighter budgets make it more difficult for stores to lure people inside.

“I would say we’re offering some better deals this year on some products we haven’t before,” said Kendra Lohmer, assistant manager at Target in Garner.

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, historically the point when retailers start to turn a profit.

“We’re looking forward to a big weekend because it will be a show of consumer confidence,” Revenue Secretary Ken Lay said.

Lay said it would also help the state’s finances and, in turn, impact others.

“As we collect taxes, it goes back into the community to build hospitals, build roads, sewers, water systems and those things that make life in North Carolina the kind of life people want to have and the kind of life they need,” Lay said.