Pre-Black Friday highlights for Laredo ...

Probably some of you are pulling out those sneakers and jeans, getting ready for the most exercise-filled day of the year.
I mean ... between pulling out your credit cards, dashing from one store to another, running from row to row in stores, yanking down clothes to wear, trying out electronic gadgets and on and on ... there's probably little doubt Black Friday is going to wear a few people out.
OK, so "maybe" Black Friday isn't going to be filled with primo exercise. Yet retailers locally are hoping people enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feasts, then come out and feast on discounts and deals.
Retailers are looking for Mexican shoppers to fill their spaces in great numbers, both downtown, at Mall del Norte, in south Laredo and north Laredo.
At Mall del Norte, shops will be closed for Thanksgiving Day.
Friday, stores will open at 7 a.m. Some retailers are planning 5 a.m. openings, such as Aeropostale, Children's Place and Disney. Mall stores will close at 10 p.m. Friday. Saturday shopping hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday shopping hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
For more information on the mall's holiday shopping plans, hit its Web site at www.malldelnorte.com.
H-E-B Plus! stores are offering customers deals on toys and other holiday items.
Plasma TVs, Apple iPods, cameras, Snuggies, kids toys, family board games and a multitude of other goodies will have discount prices for Black Friday.
Check out their deals at www.heb.com.
Meanwhile, Border Media Laredo also will be out on location to make sure Mexican shoppers stay and shop in town.
According to a release from Border Media Laredo, stations La Ley 100.5 and Digital 107.3 will be broadcasting live from the Welcome Point, located at 811 San Dario Ave., right off International Bridge 2.
"Border Media recognizes the Mexican shopper as a vital contributor to Laredo's economy and we simply want to say 'thank you' and, above all, 'welcome to our city,'" said Miguel A. Villarreal Jr., vice president/market manager, with Border Media Laredo. "In this competitive environment, customer service plays an integral role in strengthening our local economy. Welcoming Mexico to Laredo is a small token of our appreciation for the opportunity to have Mexican nationals shop in Laredo."
Happy shopping, Laredoans!

-- Joe Rutland