Photo by Skip Lawrence Owner Mike Goodwin hangs a sign in front of Flights of Fancy on East Street, advertising that his store will be open Friday.

The Gov. Thomas Johnson High School senior already has an iPod and iPhone, thanks to her parents and the money she earns working a part-time job.

"I'm blessed," she said.

But for many of her peers, the keyword for Black Friday is discount, Gripper said.

"They won't buy anything until they're sure it's a really, really good deal. Times are hard for everybody," she said.

The teens are on target.

A recent National Retail Federation study found 77 million people would wait to make sure retailers were offering discounts before heading out. Bargain-hungry consumers have cut back on spending over the past year amid rising unemployment, curtailed credit and a weak economy, according to the retail federation.

The study also found some 57 million consumers willing to hit the stores after the Thanksgiving holiday -- Black Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And although experts predict tepid sales for the holiday season, the three-day weekend could draw a strong turnout in response to a flurry of promotions, according to the retail federation.

A busy Black Friday is expected at stores in downtown Frederick .

"We're hoping for a green Friday," said Terri Rowe, an employee at Dancing Bear Toys & Gifts on North Market Street.

Word and card games such as Bananagram and Ruckus, and non-battery-operated toys, are popular this year at Dancing Bear.

That's because people are finding value in play, said Tom England, the store's owner.

Ten years ago, everything had to be electronic. It's a pendulum swing from a one-person computer game to a desire for more personal interaction, he said.

Foot traffic was constant in several downtown stores Tuesday.

"I feel like a lot of people want to shop downtown these days. It's less hassle," said Lizzie Hummel, an employee at Flights of Fancy at Shab Row on East Street.

Pandora bracelets and charms, ornaments and Playmobile plastic toys are popular at the store this year, she said.

As the nation's larger retailers vie for foot traffic with expensive marketing campaigns, local merchants have many holiday specials, too, said Sherri Wright, owner of Book Crossing and Gifts in Brunswick .

Wright's $10 Challenge highlights fun, functional and affordable gift items for $10 or less.

"These days, we all have to take a good look at our budget and be smart with our selections," she said. "As shoppers begin their holiday shopping and run to the latest and greatest sales, they should remember to check us out in downtown Brunswick . We have some unique shops and we're here to help with their gift list."

Frederick therapist Leslie Hornung subscribes to the "buy local" theme.

"We make it a point to buy locally, and this shop for example, is a big favorite," she said, buying gifts for her patients Tuesday at the Frederick Basket Co.

Gift baskets are the big sellers, but the store also sells wines, chocolate and a variety of international foods, owner Vicki Moore said.

"Food is a great idea for anybody if you don't know what to buy," Moore said.

But not everyone is taken in by the promise of Black Friday bargains.

Middletown resident Katherine McCann is ambivalent about the day.

"That's in part because I try to decommercialize the holidays. I like the nice things but I will participate in the International Heifer program this year, where you buy an animal for needy families," she said as she browsed through Flights of Fancy.

The Heifer program allows people to donate an animal -- a goat or sheep -- which, in turn, helps families around the world obtain a sustainable source of food and income.