By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Here’s everything shoppers need to know for Black Friday
A-Black Friday pic 1.JPG
The Michael Kors outlet at North Georgia Premium Outlets stayed consistently busy during Black Friday Nov. 23. - photo by Jessica Taylor

The 2019 holiday season is about to kick off, with families gathering together to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, and Christmas following less than a month later.

It’s also the time that loved ones begin searching for the best deals for Christmas presents which means Dawson County is about to be abuzz with local and out-of-county shoppers alike this weekend.

The Ga. 400 corridor will be teaming with shoppers as retailers will be offering incredible sales and deals for Black Friday.

The forecast for Friday, Nov. 29 calls for a low of 46 degrees and a high of 63 degrees under partly crowded skies so holiday shoppers won’t be battling the blistering cold this year.

As always, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office advises everyone doing late night and early morning shopping to be vigilant and observant when exiting and returning to their vehicles, and to never hesitate to contact 911 if needed.

“While shopping, we ask our community to take great care in safeguarding their purses and wallets. Never leave these unattended and always protect and safeguard any pin numbers. Follow up on credit card statements and make use of alerts where available. Dispute any unauthorized charges as soon as possible,” said Sheriff Jeff Johnson. “Look for an increased law enforcement presence in and around the shopping centers. These officers are present for your protection. Never be hesitant to make contact with any officer, should you have the need. As always, do not hesitate to contact 911.”

While some stores are staying closed on Thanksgiving day like Publix, Hobby Lobby and Home Depot, others are opening their doors Thursday night for holiday shoppers to get a jump on the deals.

Walmart will be opening its doors at 6 p.m. on Nov. 28, but the store will be holding deals online starting Wednesday. ULTA sales will also begin at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Petsmart, Burlington, HomeGoods and Marshall’s will be opening at 7 a.m. on Black Friday. Petco and Hobby Lobby will be opening at 8 a.m., and Home Depot will be opening at 6 a.m. Friday morning.

North Georgia Premium Outlets will be open for holiday shoppers at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and will remain open until 10 p.m. on Black Friday.

If fighting crowds of people for good deals isn’t your cup of hot cocoa, many stores are offering online sales beginning on Thanksgiving. There will also be more deals on Cyber Monday on websites like Amazon.com.

If you want to shop locally made items, save your dough until Dec. 7 and stop by the annual Jingle Market in downtown Dawsonville at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Local craftsmen will be selling their wares and holiday decorations that might be just what you’re looking for.

Black Friday is a big shopping day for Dawson County that makes a difference in the community. Thanks to special purpose sales taxes like SPLOST and ESPLOST, pennies from purchases made in the county go to maintaining roads, buying new emergency vehicles and building new facilities for Dawson County students. More than 85% of sales taxes in the county are generated by shoppers who live outside of the county on days like Black Friday.

“Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday, as well as the next few weeks of shopping that lead up to the holidays mean so much to our community,” said Christie Moore, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President. “I understand that some people may get frustrated by traffic, but I encourage everyone to think about the dollars that are coming into our community – they are paying our neighbors’ salaries, supporting new technology for our school children, helping our community repave roads and supporting the overall quality of life we enjoy in Dawson County.”