Nov. 24--ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP -- Santa Claus isn't the only one making a list and checking it twice.

Holiday shoppers are already getting ready for Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving when stores advertise sales for Christmas.

Ashtabula Towne Square will open at 6 a.m., Michelle Lefkowitz, marketing director, said Monday.

"We expect early bird shoppers to be waiting in line in hopes of receiving great gift cards," she said, noting cards will be distributed to the first 200 people, ages 18 and older. "We have purchased 200 gift cards from stores in the mall, with different values."

Gift cards are valued from $10 to $100.

"It will be a luck-of-the-draw type of event," Lefkowitz said. "We will be passing out the cards in no particular order to the (first 200) Towne Square shoppers."

There will be the following number of cards and associated amounts: (100) $10, (78) $15, (20) $20 and (2) $100.

This year, the mall is not offering "mall gift cards," but most of the stores are offering gift cards, in any denomination with no fees for purchase.

Gift cards may be purchased at any of the following retailers and restaurants. The gift cards for the holiday shopping kick-off event have an asterick next to their name.

Applebee's, Bath & Body Works*, Bob Evans, Bruno's Pizza, Burger King, Christopher & Banks*, Coach House Gifts*, Deb Shop*, Dunham's Sports*, E.B. & Company*, El Puente, Fashion Bug*, Gamestop*, GNC*, Hollywood Nails*, J.B. Robinson*, JC Penney*, JoAnn Fabrics*, Kay Jewelers*, Kitchen Collection*, Kmart*, Mastercuts*, Office Max, Payless Shoesource*, Piercing Pagoda*, Radio Shack*, Red Lobster, Regis Hairstylist*, Sears, Shoe Department*, Tractor Supply, Waldenbooks, and Wendy's*.

Also, on Black Friday, the Ashtabula Towne Square will be giving away a Wii! Shoppers first must spend at least $100 before 10 a.m. Friday to be eligible.

Forms will be available at the customer service booth inside the mall. Entrants must show proof of spending $100 to register. The drawing will be held at 10 a.m. and the winner must be present to claim the Wii!. If winner is not present at 10 a.m., another winner will be chosen. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to win and only one entry per person.

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