Stores opened this year for Black Friday earlier than ever before, even before it could even actually be called “Friday.”
While many holiday shoppers flocked to the big box-stores on Thanksgiving night, there are still lots of people who want Thanksgiving to be Thanksgiving, and Black Friday to be Black Friday.
One way or another, there was no shortage of shoppers at the Nittany Mall bright and early Friday morning.
Judy Cerenzia, who typically comes out for Black Friday, says doesn’t get out there too early for the deals. Cerenzia thinks too many people have become obsessed with Black Friday, and don’t worry as much about the true meaning of the holidays.
“It’s a problem,” Cerenzia says about stores opening early on Black Friday. “It takes people away from their families and it becomes more about greed and catching the deal than being thankful for what you have, which is friends and family.”
Holly Vines says she likes to shop on Black Friday but never comes too early because the holidays are more important.
Vines believe the stores should stay closed on Thanksgiving so employees can have the time to be with their families like everyone else.
“I don’t think stores need to be open on Thanksgiving,” Vines says. “Let the employees be with their families, and not stuck at work.”
Even though the way people shop on Black Friday has changed, some still view shopping with others on that day is just another form of bonding.
Virginia Clickner wasn’t shopping on Black Friday — she was pre-shopping. Not only does she dislike the long lines, but she doesn’t feel the need to buy all that much since her children grew up and moved out.
The one thing she does like about shopping is the bonding it offers between women. Clickner has niece who will be visiting, and she wanted to scout out places she wanted to shop with her when those places won’t be as crowded as they are on Black Friday.
“She’s a new mom and she needs a lift,” Clickner says of her niece. “Shopping is a real treat to a new mom. For months everything has been about the kid, so it’s nice to be able to go out and get something for yourself.”
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