As the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving dinner comes to an end, many Oxford High School students prepared for their next hustle — Black Friday.

Traditionally, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving.  It is noted as the first day of traditional Christmas shopping, during which crowds of consumers are drawn to special offers by retailers.

Black Friday 2015 was special not only for OHS shoppers, but for those working on the holiday as well.  For some, this was a first — their first Black Friday experience as retail associates.

Lulu’s Shoes and Accessories on the Square has been known to employ OHS alumnae and current students.  Sophomores Lily Mitchell, Margaret Adams and senior Ann Kate Meagher all worked at Lulu’s this past Friday.

“I worked five hours, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” Mitchell said.  “On Black Friday at Lulu’s, we were open from 7 to 6, instead of the usual 10 to 6, and we have a bucket of candy canes at the front for customers to draw when they come in.”

Each candy cane at Lulu’s had a slip of paper with a certain discount attacked.  Candy canes could be used anytime throughout the day, and the discount was taken off the customer’s entire purchase.

“The best thing about working Black Friday was that it was a good opportunity to get hours, and though it is fun working and getting experience, the main reason I am there is to make money so I can pay for my own gas,” Mitchell said.

Around the corner, sophomore Alice McCullen worked at the gift shop, Mississippi Madness.  The store sells pottery and ceramics made by Mississippian artists.

“Since I worked for a little over seven hours, it was a really long day.  It was busy all day long, and after a while, it was very tiring,” McCullen said.

Unlike Lulu’s, Mississippi Madness had no special sales, but still received increased business because of other stores nearby with heavy, hearty sales.

“I like to shop on Black Friday because of the cheap prices,” said sophomore, Davis Whitwell.