Black Friday Frenzy
THUNDER BAY, ON — With today being the year’s biggest shopping day, Thunder Bay’s boutique stores are bracing themselves for what experts predict will be a “significant uptick” in customer foot traffic, with as many as five shoppers anticipated at certain locations. Determined not to be left out of the Black Friday frenzy, local small businesses are preparing in ways they hope will meet the soaring demand.
"We’re expecting a real crowd, maybe two or even three people at once," said Sarah Langford, owner of “Finely Frayed,” a vintage clothing boutique that’s planning a 15% discount on selected used scarves. “I’m even considering moving the extra chair from behind the counter. I want people to feel like they can stand around comfortably without risking direct eye contact.”
Just down the street, Jeremy Calhoun of “Tiny Thunder Tea Shop” revealed that he’d spent the entire month to this point dusting shelves in preparation for the boom. “Normally, we sell a tea blend or two a day,” Calhoun explained, nervously adjusting the organic herbal display, “but with Black Friday, I figure there’s a chance we could move a full box of chamomile. I’ve even extended hours—if people need us after 6 p.m., we’ll be here till at least 6:15.”
While owners are cautious about expecting too much from Thunder Bay’s notoriously mild shopping crowds, one local shopper is ready to go. “Black Friday is my day,” enthused Brenda Taylor, a mother of two, who has mapped out the entire waterfront boutique district. “I’ve got my route all planned out: start at the secondhand bookstore, swing by the ceramics shop, and, if time allows, hit up the artisan candle stall. I’ll bring my own bag this year.”
Despite the excitement, owners remain grounded about their Black Friday forecasts. “Look, we’re not getting trampled here,” admitted Langford. “But if a few folks come by and decide to buy a scarf—or even just tell a friend—then all the effort is worth it.”