The new Thanksgiving tradition: A quick meal then off to the stores


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MURRAY — Linda Walters works in retail, and even though she didn't have to work on Thanksgiving, she used the time off to do some shopping of her own.

"I know its bad for the people at the stores because they have to work, but the crowds aren't that bad," she said. Walters said she has always taken advantage of Black Friday deals to complete her Christmas shopping, but this year was the first year she ventured out early — after her turkey dinner.

"I'd do it again to avoid the crowds," she said.

Ropes and tethers cordoned the more frequented areas of stores, helping employees control the initial crowds. Tables and displays throughout various stores tumbled with products ticketed at "doorbuster" prices and "special deals."

"We do it for the kids," said Lance Robinson, of Cottonwood Heights, who had spent nearly the whole day going from store to store to gather Christmas gifts for his grandkids. Robinson, who was first in line at Toys R Us in Murray, wasn't as interested in the prices as his daughter was, but he was happy to hold her place in line as long as he got a break to eat Thanksgiving dinner.

"The grandkids aren't all that hard to please these days," he said, adding that getting good deals often leads to "over-doing it."

The frigid, windy weather might have kept some from waiting in line for early Black Friday deals on Thursday afternoon, as the lines stayed relatively short at the popular toy store and others nearby. But parking lots filled as the hours passed and Thanksgiving afternoon turned into evening.

Some standing in lines said deals just as good could be found online.

"This store has what I needed," said James Cramer, of Sandy, who also waited for the 5 p.m. opening at Toys R Us. He was hoping for a good deal on a gift for his daughter. "I wouldn't be here if they weren't the only ones who sell it."

A woman tries to maneuver her purchases up an escalator during Thanksgiving Day shopping at a Kohl's in Salt Lake City, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015. (Photo: Chris Samuels, Deseret News)
A woman tries to maneuver her purchases up an escalator during Thanksgiving Day shopping at a Kohl's in Salt Lake City, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015. (Photo: Chris Samuels, Deseret News)

Many major retailers kept their stores closed on Thanksgiving Day, including R.E.I., which also announced that it would remain closed on Friday, hoping to get more of its clientele to recreate outdoors over the long weekend. Some stores posted earlier than usual opening times on Friday, promising exclusive deals for shoppers who make the trip.

"We do it every year," said Walters of Black Friday shopping. "It's nice to have it done in time to enjoy the holidays."

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Wendy Leonard

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