Murphy – As people entered Walmart to take advantage of Black Friday sales, the scent of marijuana smoke occasionally filled the air.
Patrons to the big-box retailer were clearly anticipating a long night Thursday and Friday, with police and Emergency Medical Services on hand just in case of an incident.
“I did this a few years ago, and some people got rowdy over sheets or towels,” Cherokee County sheriff’s Deputy J.J. Wooten said.
Bed and bathroom items seemed to be popular again this year. Crowds of people started gathering throughout the aisles to establish their claims more than 30 minutes prior to the sale, which began at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening.
“I came to get some towels and sheets – you know, the practical items of life,” Andrews Alderman-elect Jonathan Ellison said. “If you want to be a cool kid, you have to come to Walmart after you eat turkey.”
Of course, electronics were a big draw this year, with people lining up next to displays of tablets, printers, television projectors and phone accessories as if they were guarding them. Lego sets, Disney’s Frozen merchandise and other entertainment for kids also attracted a lot of shoppers.
“It’s a crazy house,” one woman said as she begrudgingly navigated the meat aisle, which had been infiltrated by DVDs and patrons who were ready to pounce at the word, “Go!”
Sensing tension in the air, Walmart managers allowed shoppers to start grabbing merchandise about two minutes prior to the top of the hour. One man quickly filled his basket with a few toys, then jokingly said, “We’re out of here. I feel sorry for you; I’ll be praying outside.”