Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA —  Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holiday season, and the shopping season — Samoa style.

In observation of Thanksgiving Day 2019, Samoa News will not publish today and Friday, but will return on Monday, Dec. 2nd.

Most businesses will resume operations on Friday, including the Post Office, with stores holding their Black Friday sales — American Samoa style — opening their doors between 5a.m.- 6a.m.

Some businesses started their early Black Friday sale Monday this week. (See the Samoa News print edition for various advertisements on Black Friday in American Samoa).

As has been the norm in the last few years, congested traffic is expected — early in the morning — around Malaeimi during the annual Neil’s ACE Home Center Black Friday event (see ad in samoanews.com).

Look out for crazy traffic also near the Laufou Shopping Center, with Bluesky's Black Friday sale and across the street, Black Friday at CBT Hardware. Both start early in the morning — so expect backed up traffic.

Friday is also Black Friday across the US, although many major US outlets have started early this week their Black Friday sales online.

Samoa News online — www.samoanews.com — will provide updates of any developing news. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving American Samoa, from the management and staff of Samoa News, wishing all a safe holiday and long weekend for those who decide to take the time off.