MANKATO , MINN. -
Crowds of bargain hunters started their Black Friday shopping earlier than ever this year, with many stores opening doors Thanksgiving night. The National Retail Federation is predicting a 4% increase in sales. Locally the River Hills Mall is hoping for even more. Black Friday started out their goal out with a bang.
As soon as the doors opened, crowds filed into stores. With sale signs of 20 to even 50% off customers were more than willing to fight the crowds for a good find.
"Crazy," Gordmans shopper said.
Crazy? Yes, but not unwanted. Many stores opened their doors before the turkey was even cold Thanksgiving night.
"Black Friday, or black Thursday? It's almost Black Thursday," Senior General Manager River Hills Mall Paul Wilke said.
River Hills Mall Senior General Manger Paul Wilke says the hope is the earlier times will give holiday shopping a jolt at a critical time for retailers.
45% of the mall's traffic and sales come the last two months of the year, starting on Black Friday.
"It's make it or break it," Wilke said.
So far, sales seem to be making it.
"Black Friday has been phenomenal," Target Team Leader Ryan Selly said.
But, Black Friday isn't for the retail rookie. After fighting your way through the parking lot, it's a lot of hurry up and wait. Waiting for the store to open and then once you find your purchases waiting inline, yet again, to pay for them. The funny thing, some shoppers do this store, after store, after store.
"It's just in stores that have been pretty long," Gordmans shopper said.
Target made it a priority to keep the customers flowing.
"We had people weaving through the aisles, and a lot of compliments," Selly said.
Getting through quick was key when landing the prize purchase.
"You just have to be aggressive, I guess," Target shopper said.
Many found themselves scoring big with a big screen TV, while others showed up a little too late.
"Disappointing? Not really. But now, we'll just go to the next place," Sear's shoppers said.
That's exactly what retailers are hoping.
The River Hills Mall expects 150,000 people to come through their doors Friday through Sunday.
