Black Friday Deals Come Downtown

While the deals didn't start at 4 a.m. in downtown Port Jefferson, savvy shoppers opted for a less crowded shopping experience on Black Friday.

Local businesses opened their doors the day after Thanksgiving for the kickoff of the holiday season.

"We opened an hour early for the holiday weekend," said Catherine Morina, a shopping attendant at the boutique, .

Stores all over the village offered holiday sales for frugal shoppers. Kismet gave $10 off any purchase of $30 or more for Black Friday. They had a different special available each day throughout the shopping weekend, like Small Business Saturday.

kicked off the season with an appearance from one of Santa's reindeers on Saturday. A live reindeer visited the Harbor Square Mall for pictures over the weekend and will return on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5 from noon - 4 p.m. for another photo shoot.

Retailers reminded buyers of the deals are not limited for one weekend.

"We have sales throughout the season, not just on Black Friday," said Carmela Greenberg, an employee at .

Despite the drive for bargain hunters to trek to the mall or outlets at midnight, smart shoppers came to Port Jefferson for a different Black Friday shopping experience.

Local business owners feel they offer a unique shopping experience, full of personal attention that gift-getters don't receive at department stores.

"People come to shop downtown for the one-on-one customer support. People believe in supporting the village," said Vera Wilde, owner of Once Upon a Christmas.

Aside from the individual attention shoppers receive the wide variety of stores is also a draw for those searching for something special this season.

"Shopping here allows for a relaxed atmosphere and personal attention for each shopper," said Suzie Catalano, an employee at The Red Sled.

Catalano explained the ornaments sold at The Red Sled range in prices from $2 to $36, all of which can be personalized. And instead of buying ornaments from the kiosk at the mall, The Red Sled has a large selection of ornaments, including ones that can be specially ordered.

"We have something for everyone," Catalano said.

Even out-of-town shoppers were drawn to Port Jefferson.

"We decided to come down port for some window shopping today," said Jessica Frothingham who was visiting from North Carolina for Thanksgiving. "Maybe we'll go to the mall later, but it's too crazy in the morning."

Though the common trend is for Black Friday shoppers to head to department stores, retailers were pleasantly surprised with the turnout of customers.

"There were more shoppers here than I expected. They're trickling in as the hours go on—coming back from Walmart and Target, I guess," Morina said.

Even if the only people downtown were window shoppers avoiding the massive lines, storeowners were not concerned about the lack of heavy traffic.

"Black Friday is not a big deal for us," Wilde said. "Thousands of people come down for the , it's like our Black Friday. The village is packed."