Holiday shopping? See when MS Coast stores open on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday
If you plan to hit the ground running for early Black Friday deals, local business owners want you to know you can just sleep in.
One of the benefits of owning a business is the ability to change or extend hours to accommodate customers and reasonable Black Friday shopping hours, which is a convenience you won’t find at the big box stores.
“We’re going to extend our hours from 10 until whenever,” said Ashley Wooley Tripoli, owner of Mini Me’s Boutique in Pass Christian.
Tripoli recommended shopping locally on Black Friday and throughout the holiday season. Besides helping locals, she said the merchandise you’ll find in local stores is special.
“I have smock dresses, Christmas outfits and I have unique children’s outfits that Walmart doesn’t have and can’t get,” she said.
For the die-hards
If you’re an early riser still interested in the thrill of the hunt, Gulfport Premium Outlets has 60 stores ready to cater to you.
General Manager Pam Meinzinger said store hours this Friday will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While stores (and sales) will run all day, Meinzinger recommended shopping early. “Several stores have blockbusters that are first come first serve and the crowds are not as large in the morning,” she said.
The early risers are a special breed. “That’s your serious shopper that comes at 6 a.m.,” Meinzinger said. “She knows what she wants and is in and out.”
Gulfport Premium Outlets has two new additions. Ariat is a cowboy and western wear store offering boots and apparel. Southern Marsh offers casual and sporty outfits with a Southern flare.
Many of the stores will offer half off the entire store this week. Some, like Polo, started the big sales Wednesday, Nov. 27. “I’ve never seen Polo run half price,” said Meinzinger.
The outlets have some advantages over online shopping. Meinzinger said the selection is better “and you can take it with you.”
Small Business Saturday
Rue Ridge Fine Gifts will be closed Thursday and Friday. The Gulfport store got a jump on Black Friday with specials on select merchandise Wednesday. Deals included 40% off Thanksgiving items like velvet pumpkins, linen napkins and place cards. Rue Ridge closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, but will re-open Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Biloxi small business owners Leonie Johnston and Andrea Jenkins went live on Facebook to share their wares. Jenkins’ The Threaded Cork and Johnston’s Dime Store Diva Petite Boutique are next door to each other on Rue Magnolia and like to market them as “Two on the Rue.”
Tuesday’s livestream included everything from Polish pottery to handmade hats. But, have no fear if you missed it. Jenkins and Johnston will take part in the Shops of Downtown Biloxi’s Small Business Saturday, when downtown businesses will offer deals and discounts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We’ve got so much coming for y’all in December,” said Johnston.
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 2:58 PM.
