Glendale shoppers, retailers gearing up for Black Friday
From Arrowhead to the historic downtown to Westgate, Glendale store owners are gearing up to compete for Black Friday customers who are likely to be more frugal this year.
Retailers from each area are hosting holiday shopping events as a group, in order to lift store revenues during tough economic times.
The shopping events fall on, or shortly after Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving and typically the busiest shopping day of the year.
Competition for those shopping dollars is likely to be stiff. An annual holiday retail survey conducted by the research firm NPD Group reported that 26 percent of consumers said they plan to spend less this year than they did last year. That compares with 18 percent who said the same thing in 2007.
Glendale holiday shopping events
Arrowhead Towne Center, 75th Avenue and Bell Road
All stores will be open at 5 a.m. Friday, and a few will open at midnight that morning.
Stores opening at midnight: Aeropostale, American Eagle, Buckle, KB Toys, Fossil, Hot Topic, Windsor. Catlin Court and downtown Glendale
A few shops will feature promotions during Glendale Glitters, the annual city-funded light show that kicks off Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Many restaurants and retailers are also participating in the city-sponsored "Shop Local" campaign through Dec. 31.
Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue
At 11 a.m. Saturday, the center in Glendale's sports and entertainment district will host a "Sing for Bling" contest. Participants go on stage with a microphone and have their performances broadcast live on the shopping center's 30- by 50-foot big screen televisions. They are also eligible to receive $25 worth of gift cards redeemable at Westgate retailers and restaurants.
Citadelle at Arrowhead Ranch, 59th Avenue and Utopia Road
From 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, the shopping center will feature Santa Claus and local high school choirs. Several of its retailers and restaurants also will be hosting sales or promotions.
What merchants are saying
Here are a few things local retailers are doing to maximize holiday shopping traffic during a down economy:
"For us, Black Friday is the opening night of Glendale Glitters. . . . One of the things we're doing begins at 4 p.m. and we'll be giving away free chair massages. Also, for people who bring in a Christmas wish list, if we have any of the items on that list, they will get 10 percent off on any of those items."
- Kristi Caggiano, owner of downtown Glendale's Miracle Haven Shops in the Garden, 5845 W. Palmaire Ave. Reach the cafe and gift shop at 623-931-2144.
"Despite the economy, we're still ramping up on everything. We're ordering more and hoping for the best. We do have some holiday specials too, to help out, like half off on shoes and 30 percent off on selected clothing."
- Troy Wallace, owner of Surprise's Board Shack, 15170 W Bell Road. Reach the extreme sports equipment store at 623-537-5840.
"We're going to be open on Sunday - usually, we're closed on Sundays. On Black Friday, that Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we're giving 20 percent off everything in the store . . . we're going to do 50 percent off all clearance items, too. Also, we're holding our one-year anniversary the following Thursday, on Dec. 4, and we'll have giveaways on that day and special discounts as well."
- Natalie Kinsch, co-owner of Glendale's Bella Amie Boutique, 19420 N. 59th Ave. Reach the women's clothing and home decor store at 623-376-7788.
"We have a special going where you can buy six bottles of wine and get 10 percent off, or a full case (12 bottles) at 15 percent off. We are also doing a music and arts festival. It's a whole festival of live jazz and rhythm and blues music during the 5th, 6th and 7th of December. Local arts vendors from the area will be there as well,"
- Ryan Boucher, assistant manager and bartender at Kokopelli Winery and Bistro, 14719 W. Grand Ave. Reach the winery and restaurant at 623-556-4810.