Top 3 Odessa Shops We Wish Existed This Black Friday

It's shopping season! Black Friday deals have already begun. Online stores start way before the actual day of Black Friday but back in the day, it was a little different.

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Before online shopping became popular, people had to shop for Black Friday in stores. People would camp out the night before to be the first to get discounted items. I remember seeing many news stations covering the chaos of Black Friday years ago, from customers fighting each other to get the last flat-screen TV to someone buying a shelf full of products.

Reflecting on the Black Friday chaos reminded me of stores from the past that are no longer open. I thought it would be interesting to ask the Permian Basin which stores they missed for Black Friday.

SEARS IN THE MUSIC CITY MALL

Sears had the best Black Friday Deals. The appliances were so cheap if your washer went out you would wait for Black Friday. I remember getting a 55" flat-screen TV for around $100.

MERVYN'S IN THE MUSIC CITY MALL

My best friend in high school used to work at the Mervyn's in the Mall. I remember she used to go to work Thanksgiving evening to get ready for Black Friday. This was the hot spot to get trendy clothes at reasonable prices.

KMART ON 42ND

When I say "good discounts," I really mean it when it comes to Kmart. I loved this store because my Tia (aunt) would take me with her to shop for Christmas. She would let me choose my Christmas gifts and put them on layaway in November.

Wow, these brought back so many memories. Shopping has evolved and I'm so happy I don't have to stop into a store to get Black Friday deals but I still can appreciate the memories of waiting in long lines and scavenging among the clutter. I like to say it helped build character for us millennials.