Chilly morning can’t stop bargain-seekers

Culpeper residents braved chilly temperatures and darkened skies just to cash in on discounts at area retail stores for Black Friday, the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

Before it opened at 4 a.m., JCPenney customers - sporting scarves and gloves - snaked along the sidewalk leading up to the front doors, according to Store Manager Wayne Cox.

"We had about 35 to 40 people out there," said Cox, who requested that Dominion Square management turn on the parking lot lights early. "It was a good morning. People are buying a lot of children's clothes, outerwear and sweaters."

Next door at K.B. Toy Works, Store Manager Evelyn Barnard said learning systems like the Smart Cycle and the V-Smile are "selling like hot cakes."

"Parents are really into the educational items this year," said Barnard, who opened her doors at 5 a.m. "We didn't have a big rush but it has been a steady flow and that's what we like."

The Smart Cycle is a stationary bike, learning center and an arcade game system all rolled into one unit.

Culpeper resident Rashard Carter left the Dominion Square toy store carrying five large, plastic bags of goodies.

"They had some pretty good deals in there," said Carter, as he filled his car with Christmas gifts.

He bought art supplies for his 8-year-old daughter and wrestling toys for his 2- and 7-year-old sons.

"I had to buy two wrestling rings because I have two boys," said the 22-year-old father.

Across the street at Target, Store Manager Rich Sarmiento said electronics have been a popular item for sale.

"Things are going very well," he added.

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .