Black Friday shoppers show up big amid Tulsa County tier 3 mark
by Ethan Hutchins, KTUL staff, Saturday, November 28th 2020
Photo: Tulsa Police Department
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) -- While Tulsa County has moved into Tier 3 of the state’s hospital surge plan, it hasn’t kept Black Friday shoppers away.
In fact, some businesses say their numbers haven't dropped much from years past.
We knew Black Friday shopping would look different, but by most accounts, it didn’t feel different.
By mid-afternoon, the parking lots around Woodland Hills Mall were packed.
A rush to grab a deal in person many felt was worth the risk.
Cell phone video recorded by a Channel 8 viewer showed long lines inside and hundreds of people shopping, many wearing masks.
Outside the mall, Sergeant Brian Collum and his fellow Tulsa Police officers rode bikes around the mall to prevent theft and monitored how closely shoppers were following the COVID rules.
"Everything that's being done is for the safety of the shoppers," said Sergeant Brian Collum.
"This morning was a little bit slow, but we made up for it with online orders this year," said Store Director Robert Pearce.
Down the road at Academy off 81st and 169, Pearce says they’ve been inundated with online and curbside orders.
Lisa Bruton, one of many shoppers having to wait in roped off checkout lines, says the restrictions make her feel safe.
"Everywhere there's social distancing; there's markers on the floor. I'm real impressed with that as well," said Bruton.
"I came at 10 a.m. and there were a lot of people. It was hard to find a place to park," said Angel Vides.
Over at Best Buy off 71st and 169, Vides was hoping to avoid the crowds by shopping later and doing his part to shop safely.
“Keep your distance and wear your mask," said Vides.