DECATUR, AL (WAFF) -
This year many stores in the Valley are getting started before midnight Friday to help people save sooner, but that means a long day at work for those in retail.
Belk in Decatur is opening three hours earlier than normal to help those who want to get their hands on those Black Friday deals.
"I myself wouldn't go out at midnight, but a lot of times you'd be surprised how many people could get good bargains at that time. Maybe for the business itself it's great that they get the hours early," said Joy Williford, who is working this Black Friday.
Those early opening hours usually lead to chaos.
"Mass chaos… By the first 10 minutes you're here, everything is everywhere, and it's all thrown everywhere, but if you have the time to hunt, it's worth it," said Marianna Threadgill, who is shopping on Black Friday.
But it is not worth it to all shoppers.
"I usually try to avoid it. I get up early and do my shopping online to avoid the crowds," said Christy Appleton.
The crowds are coveted by Belk store manager Heidi Jubenville.
"Last year, we had several hundred people in line before we opened," she said.
But working on Black Friday will put her schedule into overtime.
"I will be working 14 hours that day. The store opens midnight, and we'll be open until 10pm that night," she said.
The upside to the long day of work is the extra pay for those on the clock. They'll have to wait for the crowd to clear before they can shop for themselves.
Belk workers said they have been preparing for this day for months.
They said they have a lot of good door busting deals for those brave and patient shoppers.
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The upside to the long day of work is the extra pay for those on the clock.
