This Friday, shoppers all over the city, county and nation are expected to fill retail stores, taking advantage of the retailers’ major sales as they get started on their Christmas shopping.

Black Friday is typically the biggest single shopping day of the year, but in a recession, it may be harder for some to justify purchasing much — even at heavily discounted prices.

Thomasville resident Angela Wood said that she wants to take advantage of the Black Friday sales, but she may not have the money to shop.

“It’s been really tough, especially with my husband being the only one working, and he has to work according to the weather,” Wood said. “I’m unemployed right now, unfortunately. I’ve been looking for a job, but it’s hard, because in our financial situation, we don’t have a computer. Everybody wants to do everything online, and we’re not there yet.”

Wood said that she has gone shopping on Black Friday before and doesn’t like the crowds, but she goes to buy items while they are on sale.

“I hate crowds, but I know I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do sometimes,” she said.

Carol Foley, also of Thomasville, said that fighting the holiday crowd has become too much for her.

“It ain’t worth it,” Foley said. “I just do my shopping before then, and after everybody else calms down.”

She said she went shopping on Black Friday once in Lexington and once in Thomasville, and then she decided she was done with that chaotic experience.

Not everyone minds the crowds and the excitement, though. Thomasville resident Craig McDaniel said that he would love to shop on Black Friday, but he won’t be able to this year.

“I would go if I didn’t have to work,” said McDaniels, an airplane mechanic who works in Greensboro. “In the past, I’ve gone for deals on games and electronics.”

While some local residents are ambivalent about the shopping holiday, store owners are preparing for a busy weekend.

Stephanie Chamberlin, store manager of Peebles in Thomasville, said that she thinks Friday’s sales will be comparable to those in previous years.

“Our business has been good, so I’m really expecting a good day” Chamberlin said. “Our sales are usually very good, and comparable to what is out in the community.”

Chamberlin said Peebles will have “early bird” specials from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on a variety of items. Some toys will be buy one, get one free, and there will be sales on some items from virtually every department.

Avis Brewer, owner of Avis’ Fine Jewelry in Thomasville, said that she isn’t sure what to expect on Friday.

“The way the economy is, this year is kind of unpredictable,” Brewer said. “That’s why we’re doing buy one, get one free on Friday and Saturday. Usually, we do it in July and March.”

Brewer said that business has been a little down lately, but not too bad. She says that the store typically gets a boost in sales the weekend after Thanksgiving, but those aren’t the days she expects to be busiest.

“In the jewelry business, the last two weeks before Christmas tell the tale,” Brewer said. “A lot of men procrastinate, and the last two weeks are when they come in to buy.”

Still, Brewer shared Chamberlin’s optimism about Black Friday this year.

“I really think Friday and Saturday will be good — I do,” Brewer said. “People are out looking for bargains, and we’ve got them.”

Staff Writer Karissa Minn can be reached at 888-3576 or newsdesk@tvilletimes.com.