Mixed reviews on Black Friday in Marble Falls
MARBLE FALLS — While some local merchants reported a boom on Black Friday, others had to wait until Saturday to ring up positive returns for their business.
“We didn’t do very well. Normally I feel like(Black Friday) is one of our busiest day,” said Darci White, owner of Darci’s Deli, located at 909 3rd St. “Last year it was one of our biggest days.
“This year people came in from out of town, but no locals.”
PHOTO: Darci’s Deli owner Darci White (left) rings up a meal for customer Grace McAnally on Nov. 26. The eatery, located at 909 3rd St., reported dismal returns on Black Friday but booming business on ‘Shop Local Saturday.’ Staff photo by Connie Swinney
White estimated about a 40 percent dip in sales on Black Friday, however, she experienced a 20 percent increase in customers on Saturday compared to last year.
“They advertised ‘shop local’ on Saturday, so we were busier,” said White, who has been in business at the 3rd Street location for nearly six years.
She typically relies on local residents.
“Saturday was a lot better,” she said. “I bet 95 percent were people from out of town.”
On the other hand, downtown merchant Gary Hutton of 3 White Doves said he saw better business on Black Friday and Shop Local Saturday .
“We did well. It was bigger than last year,” said Hutton, who has been in business for nine years. “I think a lot of (customers) were out of town who came here for the weekend.”
He estimated his experienced a 20 percent boost in activity.
He explained the increase has yet to match higher returns from years past, however, but believes the launch to the holiday season this year may be an indication of consumer confidence.
“October was real good,” Hutton said, “and it looks like November and December will be good.”