Black Friday

Coudersport had its own version of "Black Friday" last week, with a steady stream of shoppers patronizing downtown businesses to avoid the crowds in larger towns and the higher sales tax in New York State. Nationally, sales were about 8 percent higher than Black Friday 2006. Two long-time, side-by-side businesses enjoyed solid Friday sales. At Hauber's Jewelry Store (above), Emily Kandel helped shopper Andy Chisholm. Next door at JCPenney, sales were also brisk, despite its scheduled February closing. Lugene Heimel photo