By Diane Petryk
HUMMELS WHARF — “No company coming!”
“Wear the kids out so they can have a nap before dinner.”
“My mom’s cooking.”
“Find some good deals”
“Support Boscov’s ...”
“Free stuff.”
Whatever the reason, more than 400 hundred people found one for lining up outside Boscov’s department store in the Susquehanna Mall very early on a holiday morning.
Seven-year-old Olivia Smeltz, of Trevorton, was still rubbing the sleep from her eyes in line just before the doors opened at 8 a.m., nevertheless waiting patiently with her mom, dad and big brother Kris, who’s 9. She pulled a $10 gift certificate out of a bag held by store manager Terry Scheneck.
Other cash gift cards were in denominations of $100, $50, $25 and $20, which, along with merchandise gifts, were given to the first 422 individuals or families in line at the Susquehanna Mall store.
Inside the store, sales were steep — 75 percent off handbags, half price or more off jewelry, coats and dresses at “buy one, get one for $1,” and more.
“My mom’s cooking, so we’re here waiting,” said Olivia’s mom, Chelsea Smeltz.
Free fleece
Linda Saxton, of Milton, said she dragged her best friend, Tammy Wilt, out of bed at 5:30 a.m. to get there in time. She walked out with bargain sheet sets and a blanket and leash for her dogs. She got a kelly green fleece throw for free. She’s not cooking, either.
Roxanne Stroik, who was working in the dress department, said it got busy right away.
“I’d rather be home with family, sure,” she said, “but Mr. Boscov said it would be good for the company, and I’m supporting him.”
This time last year, the 39-store chain was on the brink of liquidation — and the loss of 8,000 jobs.
In a published letter, Albert Boscov said, when financing was not available last year, “family, friends, Gov. Rendell and many of the surrounding communities made loans to Boscov’s to help us regain our stores.” The celebration sale, which began Thursday and continues today until 11 p.m., was to say thanks to loyal customers and supporters for helping the store survive the toughest year in its 90-year history, Boscov said.
And celebrate they did. They came from Danville, Trevorton, Milton, Lewisburg, Middleburg, Selinsgrove, Sunbury and elsewhere.
Looking for sales
Sue Rising came from Carlisle, but she was also visiting her parents, John and Joyce Reed, of Selinsgrove.
“They’re making dinner,” she said. “This gets you ready for the season.”
She was looking for good sales, especially things for her son, Matthew Long, who’s attending Clarion University.
“Besides, you run into people you haven’t seen in a long time,” she said.
Jean Baker, of Sunbury, saw the sale advertised on “Good Morning America.” She was going to eat at her sister-in-law’s.
Nellie Whipple, of Danville, said her family could do the cooking without her.
Free things attracted Kathy Wagner, of Lewisburg.
The almost two-for-one coat sale interested her, as would anything for her daughter in college.
A big date
Aimee Molter, of Virginia, was holding hands with her husband, Tom.
“It’s our big date,” she said. “We always make Black Friday our big date of the year.”
They were starting early this year, in conjunction with a visit to Danville relatives.
“I want to support Boscov’s,” said Cindy Martin, of Northumberland. “I want this store to stay in the mall.
“I’m all about turning one dollar into two dollars,” she added. And, introducing her daughter-in-law, Tara Martin, she said: “ I love shopping with family.”
Jennifer White, of Middleburg, said she came out for the good deals.
“My mother-in-law made the turkey yesterday,” she said.
Her daughter Marissa, 7, was carrying the “Toasty Wrap” blanket-with-sleeves they got free.
Sandy Rickenbaugh, of Thompsontown, brought her husband and kids. “No company coming!” summed it up for them.
It was a little hectic for Scheneck, but he was pleased by the end of the day. “We do it again tomorrow,” he said.
