Holiday sales online and in-store were expected to grow by 3% or 4%. That’s not as much growth as the past two years, when people received stimulus checks, but remains in line with pre-pandemic times, the National Retail Federation said.
Foot traffic was high at Christiana Mall on Friday morning as people searched for deals on clothes, footwear, and jewelry.
“Everybody is in good spirits, but it’s very crowded, so you have to be patient,” said shopper Shonte Brown after purchasing a coat on sale at H&M.
The mall’s senior general manager, Steve Chambliss, said he was optimistic. He believes traffic and sales were similar to previous years.
“This is the first day of a long season, and it’s a barometer for how we think we’ll do, so you’ll get a lot of feedback after today,” Chambliss said. “I would say we’re off to a good start, but how we will end we will see in a few weeks.”
Young shopper Amber Cleaver was participating in Black Friday for the first time. The 17-year-old said she found some deals on fall and winter clothes for herself, as well as gifts. She was pleased with her purchases, but doesn’t think she’ll venture out on Black Friday again.
“I think it’s a one and done,” Cleaver said. “I think I’ll get better deals online. I think it will be less stressful. At the end, I got tired, it was stressful and overwhelming, because there’s so many people right next to you, and pushing.”
On this day celebrating consumerism, some decided to spend their money while helping people in need.
