DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - People across South Florida wrapped up their Thanksgiving feasts and jumped in line to hunt for major Black Friday deals in stores.
Hundreds of holiday shoppers waited outside the BrandsMart USA in Opa-locka before doors opened, Thursday.
“We’re stealing deals, let’s get it,” said shopper Kevin Bowe.
“Today is really our Super Bowl — the doorbusters and the biggest savings of the years,” said Hansel Lopez, BrandsMart USA’s vice president of marketing.
Lopez said his role feels more important than ever to deliver affordable deals for customers following a year-long struggle across the country with rising inflation concerns, tariff uncertainty and shaky consumer confidence at times.
“Especially now with economic uncertainty, and certain households, we kind of want to be that supports to families that are looking for a good deal,” he said.
Despite the economic uncertainty, consumer spending is up 8% compared to last year, reaching nearly $79 billion just in the month of November.
Shoppers like Bowe snagged what they were looking and still have other deals in their sights.
“Still doing a lot of shopping,” said Bowe. “It ain’t over yet.”
According to Lopez, some deals offered by BrandsMart USA on items like kitchen appliances, laptops, tablets, furniture and even e-bikes are like a “double steal.”
“We have two washer-dryers: one Whirlpool, one Samsung. If you buy the washer, you get the dryer for free. Like, come on, you can’t beat that,” said Lopez.
With deals as enticing as that, Jacob Peralta and his family couldn’t turn it down.
“We’re trying to get as much stuff as we can,” said Peralta.
Shoppers flocked to Miami International Mall in Doral throughout the day.
“I’m Christmas shopping, mostly for my kids,” said a woman. “So far, I’ve found some 50% off, 30% off, some pretty good deals.”
“I love spending my money,” said a shopper.
Each store was packed throughout the day.
The mall was so crowded that there was traffic to get in and out of the parking lot, making it tricky for shoppers to find parking.
“For me, shoot, it took 35 minutes to find something,” said one shopper.
Despite the massive crowds, officials with the National Retail Federation predict less people throughout the US will be hitting stores this year compared to last year.
With concerns of rising inflation, experts suggest using what’s called a “1% rule” when making a list of things to buy.
“Take 1% of your annual income and make that the ceiling, so the upper boundary, for the entire season. If you make $70,000, that’s $700 for everything, so for gifts, travel, food, hosting,” said Nicole Lapin, the host of Money Rehab.
Officials across South Florida are expecting around 400,000 people to visit Dolphin Mall between Black Friday and the end of sales for Cyber Monday.
The manager of Perfume Plus Outlet hopes some of those visitors drop by his store.
“For Black Friday, we are running a special 10% off and certain products we have the lowest price in the mall,” the manager said.
Meanwhile, others hit the stores with a different purpose, focusing on what they can get to give to others who need it more.
Julie Jones was shopping for supplies to send to Hurricane Melissa survivors.
“These are going to Jamaica for the victims of Hurricane Melissa. When I saw they were open today 4 to midnight, I said, ‘That’s it. I’ve got to go and get this stuff. We’ve got to be able to help,'” she said.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect deal or you want to enjoy the popular magical snowfall at Dolphin Mall, shoppers should expect large crowds throughout the weekend.
For more information on events happening at Dolphin Mall, click here.
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