Shoppers Take Over Charlotte Stores on Black Friday

CHARLOTTE, NC — The warm weather on Black Friday inspired some to change up where they do their shopping to enjoy the sunshine as well.

“Beautiful day, perfect day to shop and spend all of your money!” said shopper Agatha Grimes.

And shop they did. Grimes and her family arrived early and hit all the stores at the Premium Outlets for bargains and family time.

“It’s great family time,” said Greensboro resident Labrecka McCray. “Get a day off and hang out, and family is so important to us, so we have to do that.”

With the warm sunshine, many chose the outlets so they could enjoy the outside shopping, and they got some extra walking in to park.

“We did have to walk a ways to get here,” said Hickory resident Andrew Gaither. “I was kinda shocked when we got here, but I thought, well I guess it makes sense, it’s such nice weather and this is outdoors.”

Southpark Mall opened at 7am for those who wanted to get an early start.

“The tradition, excitement. You get to get up early; an excuse to get up early!” said one shopper.

Many families chose the mall for the department stores and to pass on the tradition to their kids.

“It’s been a while since I did the Black Friday thing,” said Anderson, SC resident Arenda Johnson. “But my son has been wanting to experience it, so it’s his first time going”

Some were all about the shopping.

“Gifts for myself!” said one shopper. “Supposed to be for everybody, but I end up doing it for myself.”

While others enjoyed the mall’s couches while they waited for family to endure the check out lines.

“I’m the horse, I just carry stuff back and forth,”said one tired husband and father. “Just got back from the car, matter of fact.”

Saturday is Small Business Saturday to support smaller local stores, and Monday is Cyber Monday for online shopping deals.