Shoppers Tackle Long Lines And Traffic To Snag Major Discounts 

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Black Friday shopping kicked off before sunrise in Nassau today, as eager customers packed stores across the island in search of some of the biggest deals of the year.

Our News’ Denielle Miller hit several retail hotspots to see how Bahamians were taking advantage of the major markdowns, and the verdict is in: Black Friday did not disappoint.

“It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means today is Black Friday,” Miller said while on location.

The shopping tradition dates back decades. The term “Black Friday” was first coined by the Philadelphia Police Department in the 1960s to describe the chaos caused by post-Thanksgiving crowds. Retailers later reshaped the name in the 1980s to signal the start of the holiday shopping season, a period where many businesses moved “into the black” with increased profits.

Over the years, the frenzy has spread far beyond the United States, and the Bahamas is no exception.

Big Deals, Big Crowds

One of the popular stops was Carlo Bahamas, which offered up to 75% off designer handbags, clothing, shoes, and more. Shoppers who made the drive out to Baha Mar said the deals were worth the effort.

“One hundred percent, but you have to get there in time to find pieces,” said shoppers Dijonnaie Black and Moet Taylor.

Another customer, Reno Miller, agreed.

“The prices were great. They had a wide selection of items available for sale,” he said.

At The Paint Place, Sales Associate Tamar Thompson said customers enjoyed more than 20% off their products.

“It’s an extra you can take advantage of,” she said.

Jewelry lovers also scored major bargains at Jewels by the Sea, where markdowns reached 75% off. Inventory Manager Jennifer St. Fort said the flow of shoppers remained steady throughout the day.

“Not super rushy, but pretty steady,” she noted.

Electronics Deals Draw Early Lines

Some of the earliest lines formed outside ALIV stores, where Black Friday promotions kicked off well before dawn. Vice President for Marketing and Consumer Solutions Amber Carey said customers wasted no time.

“I was down at Southwest this morning at 4 a.m., we had people lining up from then,” Carey said.

TV deals were among the highlights, with prices dropping as low as $269. Shopper Ian Dames snagged one for his daughter, and joked that he’ll be back for something bigger for himself.

“I think that’s a fair price. I get one for my daughter… I ga need a bigger TV. I is a big man,” he laughed.

As Bahamians continue to roll into stores throughout the weekend, retailers say the momentum from today’s strong start is likely to carry straight into the holiday season.