Black Friday deals come in all shapes and sizes - By Andrea Turner

The holidays are upon us with Thanksgiving kicking off this week which, for many, means the start of the holiday shopping season. Black Friday is the notable start of the holiday shopping season, with many deals and bargains to reel customers in as early as 12 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Some people choose not to partake in this occasion, as it means waking up in the wee hours of the morning just to fight off crowds to maybe get the one item they set out to purchase…as well as interfering with family time and relaxation. The brave souls who do intend to shop, may see it as an opportunity to take advantage of some great bargains, as well as the idea of tradition in many families. 

Windham is no stranger to the idea of Black Friday and many local stores are participating. Most stores here in Windham will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and opening early Friday morning. Sears in Windham will be opening at 12:01a.m. for early morning shoppers to take advantage of their many Doorbusters and hot buy sale items. U.S. Cellular is having a four hour sale beginning at 8:00 a.m. and is offering an incredible deal on devices. Bull Moose will be opening at 6 a.m. on Friday morning and will have great deals on popular new releases such as $5 DVDs and $30 video games. Walmart opens at 12:01a.m. on Friday and will have 50 percent off deals throughout the store on electronics, toys, etc. 

Sears opens at 12:01a.m. as well. Lowe’s will open at 5 a.m. on Friday morning and is scheduled to have 40 percent off major appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dish washers. Radio Shack is one of the few stores that is open on Thanksgiving, with hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They have many good deals on headphones, headsets, and electronic toys. Marshalls, a popular discount clothing store here in Windham, will remain closed on Thanksgiving and will re-open during regular business hours on Friday. Other local businesses offering Black Friday deals are Sedona Wellness and Creativity Center in Raymond, PNF in Windham and Bonny Eagle Jewelers in Standish. 

If you, or your family, are looking to take advantage of some Black Friday deals this week, consider stopping by these local stores instead of heading to the crowded and hectic Maine Mall area. Not only will these shops, most likely, be less busy, but they will also offer the same deals as those in Portland. No matter where you choose to shop, be mindful of the other shoppers around you and the employees who are working hard to provide these deals. Stay hydrated, get some rest before you head out, and be patient…Black Friday can bring out the crazy in people so make sure to go in with a level head!