North Charleston, South Carolina. Black Friday shopping was in full force around the country Friday, as evidenced by the large crowds visiting the Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. Customers said they had never seen the facility so crowded.
According to General Manager Jaime Wilson, sales are already outperforming last year’s levels.
“We just know that our traffic and sales are up,” Wilson added. “In the first portion of the day, we received indications from some of our important retailers that sales were higher than previous year. So we know we’re outperforming previous year’s results.”
Wilson stated that shops plan weeks ahead of time for crowds like these.
“Today our retailers really get ready weeks in advance,” according to her. “They prepare the shelves, ensure that everything is stocked, and then invite our community partners to join us for a good time. “We want it to be an experience.
The significant discounts, she continued, benefit buyers on a smaller holiday budget.
“You can go get Lululemon shorts, but you can get them at a price that matches your budget,” Wilson told me. “You’re not busting the budget on day one.”
Many visitors like the tradition of Black Friday more than the deals.
“Just being out and about and not sitting on the couch,” shopper Trudy Barker explained.
Every year, more than 81 million people in the United States participate in Black Friday shopping, and Barker believes the environment is part of the appeal.
“It’s priceless,” she explained. “Part of the fun is just getting out in the mess, you know?”
Even if consumers didn’t get exactly what they were looking for, Barker said the memories made with loved ones were worth the journey.
“You can’t really go for an agenda,” she explained. “You just got to say, this is fun, let’s get Starbucks, let’s walk around, let’s just be a part of the mood.”
Shoppers who missed out on Black Friday should not be concerned, as the offers will be available throughout the weekend.
