Friday Fades To Black, But Consumers Have Their Eyes On Cyber Monday
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Black Friday 2013 was so big it couldn't fit into just one day.
Holiday shoppers were out in full force Friday night. Some of the nation's biggest stores have been open since Thursday night.
All across our the Tri-State Area, bargain hunters were taking advantage of marathon store hours, CBS 2's Tracee Carrasco reported.
The Queens Center Mall decided to open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, after Macy's and JC Penny announced they'd be opening on the holiday.
"This year definitely, this was the first time I've done Black Friday," shopper Jennifer Gutierrez said.
Some shopped 'til they dropped, braving some serious crowds, while others couldn't get out fast enough.
"It was honestly annoying," one shopper said.
Stores were doing all they could to lure in Black Friday shoppers, offering deep discounts on everything from clothes, shoes, electronics, handbags, you name it. And it seemed to be working.
"I just wanted to get a Black Friday deal, join in on the craziness," one shopper said.
This year the National Retail Federation predicts holiday sales will jump nearly 4 percent to $602 billion. More than a dozen major U.S. retailers stayed open for 24 hours or more on Thanksgiving through Black Friday, trying to make up for a shorter shopping season.
As of late Friday night it was still too early to tell if the early store hours paid off in profits. Store sales numbers are expected Saturday, Carrasco reported.
"It really is crunch time for retailers," Queens Center Mall marketing manager John Scaturro said.
Scaturro said with the shortened window of 26 days will actually benefit shoppers.
"That shortened holiday season is making them very aggressive in terms of drawing customers into their stores," Scaturro said.
Most of the Friday afternoon and evening shoppers waited for the crowds to die down, avoiding the early bird madness.
"I didn't come too early. I just woke up at my normal time to come here, no rush," shopper Chris Douglas said.
"I don't want to deal with the people jumping over each other for a TV," shopper Lorena Londono added.
"I don't shop on Black Friday. I won't do it again. I'd rather just do online shopping because this is ridiculous," another person said.
While Black Friday shopping at the mall isn't for everyone, bargain hunters can still take advantage of the deals. Consumer experts say there will be different sales available online. If you're in the market for clothes and shoes, experts say it's actually best to wait for Cyber Monday.
And is electronics are on your wish list, experts say Black Friday is best.
"I was trying to hold off until Cyber Monday, but I think it's getting earlier and earlier now," one shopper said.
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