CLT Retailers Open Earlier To Lure Shoppers From Online

CHARLOTTE, NC — The U.S. National Retail Federation predicts more than 137 million people will shop during Thanksgiving weekend.

Typically, the Friday after Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday shopping season,
but the tradition is starting earlier and earlier.

Once again, major retailers all over Charlotte started on Thanksgiving Day.

“It’s pretty crazy,” said Todd Squillante.

He was first in line to rush into SouthPark Mall at 6:00 Thursday evening.

“Oh yeah! We have a strategy and a game plan,” said Squillantes. “You get people like blocking the lane with their carriages and stuff trying to keep you out of there while they’re looking.”

This year, retail stores offered deals days earlier to compete with online shopping.

“Lines are becoming shorter every year,” said Vamshie Jana.

“The deals are available much in advance,” said Srikndh Kunchala. “So, most of them are available online, too. So, I think, people coming to the shops are less now a days.”

A spokesperson for SouthPark Mall applauds the early start.

“We’re going to have busier weeks, I think, for those people that wait until after Thanksgiving to start shopping,” said Spokesperson Holly Roberson.

For families like the Squillantes, Black Friday is more than deals. It’s tradition.

“We love to go out,” said Squillantes. “We love the crowds.”

While they stay loyal to brick and mortar stores, online holiday spending is expected to increase about 18 percent this year.