'Hamp stores to open early Black Friday

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Big Box stores often offer special sales on Black Friday. 

But some small retailers are planning promotional deals in Hampshire County; for what is undoubtedly one of the biggest shopping days before the Christmas rush.

The National Retail Federation says that last year, shoppers spent an average of $400.  Monte Newman of Manny's TV & Appliance in Hadley says electronics are a big draw. 

“Well a lot of it it's going to be the electronics and for us the electronics are televisions and blue ray players,” said Newman inside the Hadley store on Monday.  “We don't get into a lot of the smaller ones. We don't have cell phones cause I'm sure that will be a big hit or iPods.”

And they are.  Yes Computers Owner Mark Weinburg says Black Friday is one of the busiest days of the year, with shoppers saving anywhere from $50 to $200 on big ticket items. 

This is the fourth year the Pleasant Street store opens early.

“But we kind of focus on the local aspect of it encourage people.  That they can shop locally and they don't have to go to a big box store, and they still get the same kind of savings,” who plans to open at 7 A.M. next Friday. 

Newman says another draw is the growing number of manufacturers allowing shoppers to cash in mail-in rebates at the register. But some consumers say they are still not convinced these door-buster sales save them all that much.

“Because they've been conditioned by high prices to look for low prices.  Everything that's for sale is overpriced, people need bargains, let alone want them,” said Carl Ferret of Northampton. 

Both Manny's and Yes Computers plan to open their doors at 7AM.