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By Ayanna Eckblad

Many people ventured into the crisp November air Friday morning for the special shopping weekend. Black Friday kicked off the beginning of the holiday shopping season in stores all over the U.S.

In Albert Lea, Black Friday saw activity in both large chain businesses and smaller retail businesses.

Becky Johnson, owner of Between Friends, said she is excited for the big sales and giving people the opportunity to shop small this year. In preparation for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Between Friends marked down all clothing to 30 percent off. Additionally, the store is running a promotion in which customers get a gift when they make a purchase.

“Typically Black Friday is good, Small Business Saturday is very good,” said Johnson, describing her experience at the store for the 10 years it has been open.

Johnson encourages people to help the Albert Lea community thrive by investing in the community and shopping local this year.

Bill and Paula Hertling have also been preparing for a busy holiday shopping season. Their clothing store, Leutholds, just moved from its space at Northbridge Mall to downtown at the beginning of the month.

Bill said he has worked every Black Friday for about 30 years. He explained retail can be unpredictable and vary from year to year. However, he is anticipating a busier shopping season than last year because of their new location.

“Downtown is having a revitalization, and we’re glad to be a part of it,” Bill said.

During Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Leutholds will have 10 percent off of regular and sale price items.

“We have lines that we have never put on sale that are on sale this weekend,” he said.

For many families, Black Friday shopping is a special annual tradition.

Amber Halvorsen, a shopper at Home Depot Friday, goes Black Friday shopping every year. She said she typically looks for Christmas gifts for children, tools and other holiday-related items.

She also said her shopping itinerary usually includes Home Depot, Bomgaars and Walmart during the weekend.