Black Friday Shopping In Full Swing
ROSEVILLE (CBS13) -- This Black Friday be one for the record books, in part due to increased consumer confidence and online shopping. Online sales are expected to cross the $3 billion mark for the first time, according to retail trackers. But doesn't mean shoppers aren't hitting the malls.
The empty shelves at JCPenny at the Roseville Galleria prove bargain deals can still draw crowds to the mall.
Joaquin Zavala, says he did most of shopping online, but still came out to be with the family.
"The family is here from out of town. They got to get a couple of things. We're hanging out with the family and having a good time," he said.
Their family is among the 137 million people expected shop this weekend, according to the National Retail Federation. The NRF says year's holiday sales are already up more then 3 percent from last year. They project sales to reach close to $656 billion dollars, as shopper flock to the mall and their mobile devices this holiday season.
"And if I don't find it here, I will go back and look for it online," said Ilia Toledo, of Roseville, who was shopping with her family. "There is also the pressure that everyone else is out, so why not come out,"
And it's not just shoppers - retail giants like are feeling the pressure, too. They're hoping aggressive in-store promotions can compete as digital dominance continues to thrive and online sales continue to break records.
"Both experiences have to be equally fantastic, very seamless, very easy," explained Ann Bo, a general manager at JCPenny. She says the company's strategy is increasingly focused on where the brick-and-mortar meets digital.
And for all the convenience online shopping provides, for folks like Christopher Grier, of Citrus Heights, who says he has been shopping online for the past 14 years, coming to the mall with this family is about quality family time."It was just Thanksgiving. It's the ambiance, spending time with the family."
For others, the trip to the mall is more about a "simpler time."
"I am one of those touchy, feely types. I got to see it, I need to hold it up, see it in the right light. I'm old school!" laughs Kathryn Robinson, of Sacramento.
The National Retail Federation says, despite the fancy electronic gadgets and video games, when it comes to toys, Barbie for girls and Legos for boys still top the holiday wish list.
