According to businesses in downtown Troy, Pike County residents were definitely part of the estimated 71 million shoppers that were expected to take advantage of Black Friday sales.

“It’s been good. It’s been steady,” said Deabron Sexton, manager of First Impressions. “We’re expecting to see more people today, too.”

Sexton said shoppers frequent First Impressions before Christmas because it’s one-stop shopping.

“We’ve got gift items. We’ve got children’s clothing. We’ve got women’s clothing. We’ve got items for men,” Sexton said, noting that special sales would continue through Saturday.

First Impressions is well established on Troy’s square, but newer stores also had a good start to the holiday shopping season.

“We’ve been super swamped,” said Bryant Smith, owner of Cotton Creek. “It’s been great. I was really surprised.”

Cotton Creek has only been open since August, but has garnered a strong following. Most shoppers on Friday were snagging Southern Point clothing and American made wallets and belts.

Smith said he would continue with a storewide 20 percent off sale on Saturday, along with adding in hourly specials.

The newest store on the square also saw a good number of shoppers Friday. Shaunna West’s new shop, Perfectly Imperfect, was abuzz with visitors.

“We’ve had a really great day,” West said. “We’ve only been open four hours and we’ve already had a wonderful business day.”

And the savings will continue at Perfectly Imperfect on Saturday, as well, West said.

Shoppers can snag a piece of furniture at 25 percent off and lighting for 20 percent off.

The shops in Troy extending their Black Friday deals into Saturday plays in to a growing. The National Retail Federation reported its survey predicts that while there would be 71 million shopping on Friday, 76 million would wait to shop on the weekend.

“Though the Black Friday tradition is here to stay, there’s no question that it has changed in recent years; already there is a tremendous amount of excitement and anticipation surrounding retailers’ Thanksgiving and Black Friday promotions,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “It’s critical for retail companies to constantly evolve as consumers do, and right now shoppers want great deals, good value, and convenience—exactly what we’re seeing with this season’s late and early openings, price-matching, layaway, and mobile offerings.”

The extended sale period is also a great reason for Pike County to get out today and support Small Business Saturday today. American Express reports about one million people turned out for last year’s event to support local businesses.