Black Friday Bargains Prompt Locals To Flock To Malls
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SUNRISE (CBSMiami) -- It was a sea of shopping bags at Sawgrass Mills Mall as shoppers put the finishing touches on Black Friday.
Thousands were lured by the promises of bargains and deals.
Many, like Connie Andry, said they got what they wanted. She was in the midst of a shopping marathon.
"We got here at 6 o'clock this morning and we won't leave until the mall closes or throws us out," said Andry.
You won't find a more organized shopper than Connie. She's hoping to get almost everything she needs in this single trip from her holiday shopping list.
"We're loaded up here," she says.
Black Friday shoppers descended on Sawgrass Mills, Dolphin Mall and many other retail businesses throughout south Florida looking for deals and doorbusters.
Some stayed all night, like Naomi Torres.
"I just asked what time it was and someone told me it was 7 a.m. and I'm like 'What, I've been here since 7 p.m. (Thursday)'," said Torres.
The National Retail Federation forecast sales would increase about 3.7 percent this holiday season. The big trend is mobile sales -- that is, more and more people bypassing the malls altogether and shopping on their phones.
But then others, like Jonathan Viles, like to come to the stores and see the merchandise in person.
"We'll be able to see it on ourselves and it looks different from when you see it in person and see it online sometimes," said Viles.
He and Mariah Calero are a retail store's dream. They come for a few things and wound up shelling out big money.
"We spent like over 500 dollars right now," admitted Calero.
When asked if he meant to, he laughs. "No. But we did."
Alejandro Ortiz from Mexico said over the past two days he saved.
"Maybe $1,000," said Ortiz.
Black Friday is in the books and the next two shopping days are just as important for retailers trying to support their bottom line.
