For those who are trying to cut back on holiday spending in the current economic climate, local retailers are cutting prices and offering up big bargains for shoppers on Black Friday this year.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest shopping days of the year in the U.S.

Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer and one of the top destinations for early-bird specials on Black Friday, has several big items with low prices expected to be big hits this year.

Sergio Garza, an assistant manager at the Tomball Wal-Mart, said that the store will be very organized on Black Friday, with preparations and planning for the day already underway as of last week.

“It’s going to be very well organized to get better service and get people in and out of the store quickly,” Garza said.

Garza said he could not reveal the big ticket bargain items until three days prior to the big shopping day.

However, many of the sale items Wal-Mart is offering have been leaked on the internet and have been reported on by several media outlets.

“All I can say is, wow,” he said, in reference to the deals the store will feature.

Sale items will be the same at every Wal-Mart across the country, Garza said, adding that “every single register” will be open at the Tomball store the day after Thanksgiving to better serve shoppers.

Tomball resident LaVonda Frederick said she and family members are planning on taking advantage of the sales on Black Friday this year.

“We’ve been waiting to see what they’re going to have,” Frederick said. She added that her family is cutting back this year due to the state of the economy.

Other shoppers, like Tamara Cook, of Tomball, will be avoiding the shopping day altogether.

“I hate the crowds,” Cook said. However, she did say she and her family will not be purchasing as much this year, and are going to be “very simple.”

In Magnolia, employees of the Target on FM 2978 are also in preparation for the big Friday and are looking forward to the turnout.

The store is still relatively new, having opened in March of 2008, and employees believe Black Friday will be a good day for business.

“I think the guests know we’re here now,” said a Target team leader who asked not to be identified. “I think the economy will be a factor and I think that we’ve bounced back and have good deals.”

Target employees were also not able to reveal what the biggest bargains would be.

Kim Irbine, a Target shopper who resides in Tomball but is originally from Canada and has been here only a year, said her family has not been affected by the economy, but with four kids, they “feel the pinch all the time.”

“Yes, we’re for sure taking advantage of the sales,” she said. “It’s new for us.” In Canada, there is not a big bargain shopping day before Christmas, she said.

Garza said he is expecting the largest Black Friday crowds ever in his tenure at the Tomball Wal-Mart.

“We’re expecting more than usual,” he said. “With the economy, everyone is trying to save.”

Black Friday is Friday, Nov. 27. Check with your local stores for more information on opening times and sales.

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