Tomorrow stores will fill with shoppers looking for good deals as they take part in making this Black Friday the biggest shopping day of the year.

At least, that’s what store managers are predicting.

“We’re going over our list, checking it twice,” said John Tsaklis, JC Penney store manager, as he prepared the store inventory for Friday.

Many local shops and department stores have special hours and sales planned for Black Friday, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days each year. Store managers hope this day will continue to bring in large volumes of customers as it has in previous years.

“We’re expecting a really fabulous shopping day,” said Paul Belk, store manager of Belk in Mayberry Mall. “All indications are very strong.”

Sandra Deaton, Kmart store manager, said Black Friday is its busiest shopping day. She said, “We’re expecting a really big day.”

While large numbers flock to big department stores on Black Friday, some downtown Mount Airy stores are also preparing for a rush.

“It’s the biggest day of the year. I want to have my part in it,” said Lorrie Riccitello, owner of Meadows of Dan Trading Co.

Riccitello said Black Friday is usually her biggest sales day, even busier than days during the festivals that take place downtown.

Many store managers agree that the economy has affected business across the board in the past few years.

Wayne Mosley, store manager for Wal-Mart Supercenter in Mount Airy, said he expects to be busy on Thanksgiving weekend, but no more so than last year. He attributes this to the economy.

“It’s just a flat year,” he said.

Deaton of Kmart also noted it had been a tough year. She said, “Most stores have felt the economy in one way or another, but I still think it’ll be a good year.”

Even last Christmas, when the economy was also struggling, Deaton said the Kmart in Mayberry Mall sold $16,000 in merchandise within the first hour of being open on Black Friday.

Brandt Scholz is president of the Downtown Business Association and operates B & L Custom Jewelers. He expects shopping numbers to increase a little this holiday season.

“In my own business I’ve seen people beginning to buy more than they did last Christmas,” he remarked.

Scholz said Black Friday, which he calls Green Friday, doesn’t bring as many people downtown as it does to the shopping malls and department stores.

“But there’s a certain segment that doesn’t want part of the madness and will come downtown,” said Scholz.

Riccitello agreed. She said, “We tend to have customers that don’t want the hustle and bustle.”

At Main Oak Emporium, another downtown store, an employee said they’ve always held their own. The employees believe they sell special things that can’t be found elsewhere.

But regardless of where shoppers choose to go on Friday, many stores plan to offer special sales and perks to get more shoppers in. They try to differ their tactics from each other.

Kmart will open at 6 a.m. and hand out tickets to early customers so they can purchase the items that are limited in number.

Belk opens at 4 a.m. and is giving out 200 gift cards with varying amounts. Paul Belk said there will be sales throughout the store.

“We have plenty for everyone,” said Belk.

Wal-Mart has a new plan to keep shopping more orderly. Organized lines will be set up for the specials running from 5 to 11 a.m. Mosley believes electronics will once again be the top seller for his and others’ stores.

He said people don’t necessarily shop on Black Friday for Christmas presents. “I think people buy things because it’s a good deal,” he remarked.

Downtown, Meadows of Dan will open at 7:30 a.m., offering a 30 percent discount off of everything until 11 a.m. The store is offering refreshments and has given coupons to preferred customers.

“It’s an extra fun day,” Riccitello said.

Instead of opening early, Main Oak Emporium will stay open late, until 8 p.m. Outfitters items will be on 20 percent discount.

At JC Penney, store employees will open the doors at 4 a.m. and give out ornaments with coupons to the first batch of customers.

“I expect a good day,” Tsaklis said.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.