Californians were not put off by Ferguson protesters attempting to thwart the normal flow of life and holiday shoppers on Black Friday treasure hunts.
Despite a group of approximately 70 protesters blocking service in the West Oakland BART station for more than two hours, leaving tourists and shoppers stranded, and protests at stores like Walmart and Target, the sales went on.
“Reports of record-breaking online sales and store crowds point to a more confident and savvy holiday shopper,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO, according to the Contra Costa Times.
Protesters, decrying a Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of black teenager Michael Brown, also used the opportunity to demand a $15-per-hour minimum wage increase, notes the Times.
But the unrest did not deter those congregated from pushing on. “There are really good deals,” said one shopper by the name of Frade. “We are tired, but it was fun.”
Follow Adelle Nazarian on Twitter @AdelleNaz
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