Shoppers Have Plan In Hand

By Tabatha Hunter

Posted: November 26, 2009 at 5:13 a.m.

Justin Wedgworth
Jolana Gooding, left, and Stacy Wharry, holding Silas Gooding, 2, talk Wednesday in downtown Bentonville about their plans for shopping Friday.

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BENTONVILLE — Friday marks the official start of holiday shopping and that means shoppers such as Stacy Wharry of Bella Vista need a plan.

“I have printed off the ads and I have decided what I want from what stores. I am making my plan of attack,” Wharry said.

When the alarm clock sounds at 3 a.m. Friday, Wharry will be ready to go. When she wakes up all she will need to do is run a brush through her hair and get going. With any luck, she said she will be done with her shopping and back home before her children wake up.

Jennifer Willis of Bentonville also has a plan. Willis and her husband will be in Walmart bright and early with shopping lists in hand. Willis will head to one side of the story and her husband to the other, each grabbing items with the best prices as they make their way to the middle of the store, she said.

Jolana Gooding of Bella Vista plans on doing her holiday shopping in Jay, Okla., rather than brave the busy streets of Bentonville and Rogers Friday.

Willis’ recommends shoppers amp up Friday. “Drink lots of coffee and put on your patience,” Willis said.

Plenty of sleep, comfortable shoes and a calm demeanor should not be forgotten as shoppers head out, said Beth Cook, owner of B La Rue in Bentonville.

“Get a smile on your face. That is what is all about, and remember all the birds flying outside are probably Santa’s little helpers and they are reporting back on what you do,” Cook said.

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