Just before sunrise, a single line of shoppers shuffled into the Hollywood Fred Meyer in Northeast Portland. They politely greeted employees. This annual tradition of big savings on socks, electronics and other items is still an event, but not like it used to be. The crowds are smaller and tamer, nobody is camping out overnight and no one is throwing elbows to grab a cheap TV.
Across the Portland area, big-box retailers, malls and shopping centers were busy but not frenzied on Black Friday.
“It is not as crowded as I expected it to be honestly,” said Bree Harmon, who was shopping with her family at Bridgeport Village in Tualatin. A line of cars waited for parking and walkways were filled with shoppers on Black Friday.
“I think it’s really fun for people to have a day where they put it on their calendar — I’m going out and I’m going to shop,” said Mia Harmon.
Several retailers at Bridgeport Village offered special Black Friday deals for the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. Unusually dry, sunny weather in the Portland area also helped lure customers outside following the Thanksgiving holiday.
The ease of online shopping has reduced Black Friday crowds, but some people still prefer the in-person experience.
“I just love being in person, touching and feeling and trying things on,” said shopper Juday Leong, who was visiting Oregon from Hawaii.
In downtown Portland, small business owners like Kristin Van Buskirk hope people visit locally owned shops. Her store, Woonwinkel, was bustling with customers on Black Friday.
“I strongly believe that each person can do something to help revitalize Portland,” said Van Buskirk.
For most retailers, big and small, the holiday shopping season is their most critical time of the year.
To help entice consumers downtown, the city and retailers are getting creative with special deals; a temporary ice-skating rink near the Morrison Bridge; and free Saturday and Sunday parking in two downtown SmartPark garages.
