Published: November 28, 2008 01:04 pm      

Area retailers excited about Crack of Dawn sale

By Loné Beasley

Publisher

Despite national news of impending economic doom, most local retailers say their businesses are doing quite well and, in many cases, showing increases over last year. With tomorrow the official start of the Christmas selling season, this would appear to be an encouraging sign for the Yuletide selling season.

Cody Grammer, store manager for Ada’s Wall’s Bargain Center, said he is optimistic. “We’ve had a pretty good year,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of good stock that have helped sales.” Grammer said his store’s merchandise comes from high profile retailers in other areas that have experienced natural disasters and “Acts of God,” enabling him to sell at lower than expected prices.

Donna Radford, owner of Nine Months Etc. said her business has held up extremely well this year. “It’s been a very good year for us and I expect the Christmas season to continue the trend. We’ve got good, loyal customers who appreciate the customer service we provide,”she said.

To help kick start Christmas sales, Grammer, Radford and many other area retailers are opening early tomorrow in a citywide effort dubbed “Crack of Dawn” sale (see insert in today’s Ada Evening News). Goody’s and Wal-Mart will be open at 5 a.m.

By 6 a.m. shoppers will be able to get into Mazzola’s Barking Frog, Orscheln’s, Radio Shack, Factory Connection, Hibbett Sports, Starbucks, and Staples to start filling their wish lists.

At 7 a.m. Stage, Scraptopia, Holiday Traditions, JB Lumber, Sherwin Williams, Blue Moon Café, Cato’s, Tractor Supply, The Runner, Ms. Edna’s, Brown Box, Nine Months Etc., Diamond Shop, Black’s Main Street, Gem Jewelers, Brown’s, Sharpe’s, K. Rhynes Surplus, Dollar General, Maurice’s, Vision Bank, First United Bank, and Arvest Bank will unlock their doors.

By 8 a.m. shoppers can get into J’s Hallmark, Sally’s Beauty Supply, Rage, Dollar Tree, Bunny Hutch, Filling Spaces, and Yerby’s.

At 8:30 a.m. Bate’s Electronics and Steppin’ Out Western Wear will join the fray.

Nine a.m. will see DK’s Nutrition Center, Domino’s Pizza, Communication Services, Payless Shoe Source, Colortyme, Wall’s Bargain Center, Eden Tree Boutique, Merle Norman, Bath & Body Works, Tiger Pawn and K& K Gifts opening their doors.

Radford said last year’s “Crack of Dawn” sale was a great success for Nine Months Etc. “We had standing room only at 7 a.m. when we opened our door, and I’m expecting the same this year,” she said.

Wall’s Bargain Center’s Grammer said one of the many items he is excited to have available is Cabella camouflage in sportswear, outer-ware, overalls, lightweight jackets, overcoats and windbreakers for men and women.

John Matthews, owner of The Runner, said he was pleasantly surprised at the turnout during last year’s Friday after Thanksgiving early morning sale. “I wasn’t really expecting to see anyone until 8:30 or 9 a.m. but customers began coming in at 7:15.”