Black Friday deals get some out early

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The first group of shoppers walked through the doors of Barton Creek Mall around 4 a.m. Friday.

This was the biggest shopping day of the year and bargain hunters were ready for the deals.  Shoppers were given extra coupons and a free breakfast. 

Stores are hoping to have a good holiday season, despite the slow economy. 

KXAN AUSTIN News spoke to one shopper who arrived early to get exactly what she wanted.

"They are very good deals. 24-dollars going down to like 7-99. I have some blouses that were actually like 40-dollars and i got them for 9-99.there's pretty good deals,"  said Edith Castillo- Early Shopper.

While many woke up early to wait in long lines at the mall, others chose to shop locally on Black Friday.

Locally owned specialty store Toy Joy in Central Austin was packed with customers who decided to skip the crowds at the mall. Toy Joy's unique products helped to ring up plenty of sales on the busiest shopping day of the year.

"Everybody who shops here is conscientious about shopping local, and they're really understanding that we don't have a lot of things that big box retailers have," said Arielle Faye-Foulds, Toy Joy Floor Manager. "It's kind of why people shop here."

Customer loyalty helped this store stay in business for so many years.

"We have a lot of people who have been here for 25 years and were there when the store opened," said Faye-Foulds. "And they're right there with us."

Their customers said they liked supporting local businesses.

"You get neater things," said Jennifer Rankin, Shopping Locally. "Austin is about that, supporting small businesses."

The day after Thanksgiving, this specialty store was swirling with activity.

"We've had a very successful year," said Faye-Foulds. "I don't mean to brag, but people love us and they show their love."

Over on 2nd Street, it was a little quieter. Some stores were forced to shutdown.

"We hate to see our neighbors leave us, but there's another great opportunity to see another great store to come in," said Jane Vanisko McCan, Shiki Owner.

At the specialty dress shop Shiki, owner Jane Vanisko McCan has been in business for 11 years.

"It's been surprisingly really good," said Vanisko McCan. "People want special items."

Even still, it can be hard to compete with big box stores on Black Friday.

"You can't really can't compete with those big chain stores, so we encourage people to shop locally," said Vanisko McCan. "We need it right now."

Since security is a concern this time of year, shoppers are encouraged to watch their bags and ask for help from police or mall security.