Shoppers flock to Citadel Outlets in Commerce for Black Friday
COMMERCE, Calif. (KABC) -- Shoppers in Southern California wasted no time getting an early jump on Black Friday.
In Commerce, Thanksgiving evening shopping at the Citadel Outlets has become a yearly tradition for many. Those there happily battle the traffic and crowds for a good deal.
Most retailers at the Citadel participated in a so-called "all-night shopping party" that started at 8 p.m. Thursday. Stores will stay open through 11 p.m. Friday.
The popular mall was planning for several thousand people to show up. Shoppers can expect long lines and crowded parking lots.
"We have partnered with (the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department), so we really make sure that the parking is going to be as smooth as possible. Security, of course, is top of mind," said Renee Brown, regional digital marketing manager of the Citadel.
"It always shocks me when I step on the grounds here, but people are excited," Brown said. "They're excited to get out, and it's kind of like a sport to some people."
Some Citadel shoppers hoped to get all their shopping done before December even begins.
"I went to four different stores and only spent $100 on sweaters and everything so definitely a deal for me," said one shopper.
"It's been every year like routine to just come by and check out the prices. Honestly, we save all year, even the kids. They save their little chump change and just come out here and spend it all," said another.
Starting holiday shopping the night before Black Friday has become commonplace, but some have been buying gifts all week without leaving the comfort of their couch. A new e-commerce study found consumers nationwide have already spent $77 billion online.
