SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Thousands of holiday shoppers from all over the world have already began to pack South Florida malls in the hopes of scoring some early Black Friday deals.
Stores have taken part in the festivities with deals ranging from 50 to 80 percent off. “Better and better and more spending,” said holiday shopper Jeannette Gutierrez.
“The demand is there. The customer wants to come and take advantage of all the sales,” said Madelyn Bello, marketing director for Dolphin Mall.
In order to keep up with the high demand, Dolphin Mall decided to open its doors early Thanksgiving morning.
“Thank you for being open!” said one shopper.
Shoppers began showing up quickly, and the mall’s parking lot was already 10 percent filled by 10 a.m.
“We see people from all over the place, from as far as Argentina and Germany. They just come for all those great deals,” said Bello.
Black Friday’s reputation has even attracted a few shoppers from across the pond, year after year.
“A couple of years ago, when we first came here, it was something we’d never seen,” said John, a shopper visiting from London.
According to a survey released by the National Retail Federation, about 69 percent of Americans intend to shop at some point during the five day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.
Though online shopping has its perks, some holiday shoppers said it’s no match for what can be found in stores.
“The thing is, they do sales online, but you get the bigger sale if you come in person to the stores,” said shopper Roshanne Peters,” so a lot of people are coming out to get the sales here.”
From Miami-Dade to Broward, shoppers visiting South Florida during the holiday said they knew where they had to make their first stop.
“We came for Thanksgiving and realized after we got here, ‘We’re gonna be in Florida for Black Friday.’ Sawgrass Mills, you can’t beat it,” said Natalie Conciardo, who came with her family from New York.
Some shoppers said the turkey can wait.
“They’re at home cooking, so we took the time to get everything ready. We shop and then we get back home to have a good feast,” said Simra, who came with her family from the Virgin Islands.
“People got smarter over the years, and beating the crowds and the traffic and the lines and the fighting,” said shopper Darion James, also from New York.
More people lined up at a Target in Hialeah for the early doorbuster deals.
“I’m waiting for Nintendo stuff. I collect Nintendo. I’ve been collecting for five years,” said early shopper Ashley Miranda. “I’m waiting for the Zelda 2DS and a couple games.”
Some shoppers were stuck in an hourlong wait at Toys R Us in Doral, but shopper Elizabeth Perez had her shopping plan in place days before.
“I did my Thanksgiving early with my family, and now we’re just taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Perez.
The toy store opted to open up a bit later for the holiday. “Today we opened at 5 p.m. We had a very long line,” said manager Susan Miller. “Lots of people were very excited to come in to get the great deals that we have here at Toys R Us. We have tons of items 50 percent off.”
7News cameras captured shoppers enjoying holiday sales at Dadeland Mall in Kendall, Thursday night. “I got a lot of jewelry for my best friend,” said shopper Carina Skrande.
Skrande had some tips for holiday shoppers looking to get more for their money.
“When they open on Thursday as opposed to Friday, I’m seeing less deals. I think more so now it’s for electronics, but I like to come because it’s tradition,” she said.
Many malls will remain open until midnight and will reopen Friday morning.
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