SUNRISE, FLA. (WSVN) - South Florida shoppers can get their bargains ahead of Black Friday this year at Sawgrass Mills Mall, which has announced expanded hours on Thanksgiving, this year.
The annual rush to shopping malls on Black Friday has become a part of the Thanksgiving tradition for many Americans, but the crowds and commotion are not for everyone.
“I spend time with my family. We play sports. We hang out. Family comes to town,” Frantz Vital said.
However, those who feel differently have a new choice for their holiday shopping. Sawgrass Mills Mall announced it will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Thanksgiving for those dedicated shoppers who want to beat the Black Friday rush.
Mall officials said they’re expanding the hours to cater to international tourists.
Doral resident Vanessa Sanchez said the new hours could help with crowd control.
“I think it will be great. I think it will be more secure for people, I guess,” Sanchez said. “At the same time, people won’t have to rush, and at the same time, they just get their shopping done.”
But others believe the hours are unfair to employees at the mall. Many Facebook pages have called on shoppers to boycott stores that are open on Thanksgiving.
“It’s not fair because I feel that everybody should have a day off,” Sunrise resident Michelle Ware said.
Vital said the holiday should be spent with family. “It’s one day a year, I think, one weekend, that families get together,” Vital said.
Ellery Fernandez said he does all of his shopping online.
“Well, maybe for the people who like that. That’s not for me. That’s what it is,” Fernandez said.
Sawgrass Mills Mall will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Thanksgiving. Several other South Florida malls also plan to open on Thanksgiving, including, Coral Square Mall, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Dadeland mall, 6 p.m. to midnight.
Pembroke Lakes Mall, Aventura Mall and Dolphin Mall haven’t announced their Thanksgiving hours.
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