Shoppers Pack Malls On Thanksgiving In Search Of Early Black Friday Deals
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Retailers generate 25 percent of their annual sales during the holiday shopping period.
According to the National Retail Federation, that's why you get all these sales.
And with Christmas just around the corner, some South Florida shoppers have been prepping for days for Black Friday.
"We are here because we have a late dinner for Thanksgiving," one shopper told CBS4's Hank Tester.
Dolphin Mall is packed, with long lines at the checkout registers.
It's a sign that holiday shopping is off to a flying start – tons of folks in the mall on Thanksgiving Day.
Nelson, who didn't provide a last name, is packing up lots of clothes, taking it back to South America for Christmas.
He could have ordered online, but he said "it is better to be around the crowds, the excitement."
"So it is fun to shop?" Tester followed up.
"Always!" he responded.
The folks that operate malls say of holiday shoppers still prefer to get that hands-on experience.
"People like to have that immediate satisfaction of trying it on and taking it with them," said Madelyn Bello.
Wells Fargo Bank economists predict holiday sales to rise 3.8 percent this year compared to 2.9 percent last year, with consumer confidence in the economy trending upward compared to last year.
"Budget? The sky's the limit!" said shopper Patrick Ruyman.
Some shoppers are not holding back this year.
CBS4's Silva Harapetian came across shoppers who bought more than they could carry. The solution? They purchased some suitcases to keeping piling on products.
A couple from Bolivia came into town just for Black Friday. They said the deals here, compared to back home, are just too good to pass up.
"We have to pay $500," Luis Blanco. "With $100, everything we want."
But still, others are being cautious – watching those holiday bucks.
"Budget? I am always on a budget, watching my dollars of course," one shopper said.
"Gonna spend more this year than last?" Tester asked.
"Probably not," she replied.