Shoppers Rush to Cherry Hill Mall for Early Black Friday Deals

UPDATE: Shoppers are flooding the Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey this morning, scrambling for the best Black Friday deals as many lined up outside JCPenney before sunrise. The doors opened at 5 a.m., and eager customers began their holiday shopping early, some still in their pajamas.

Among the early birds is Kat Marchowsky, who arrived at 4:30 a.m. with her mom and a friend. “I think it’s just a fun tradition and it’s my mom’s birthday, so I think it’s nice to spend time with her,” Marchowsky stated, embodying the spirit of the shopping season. The excitement is palpable, with many willing to sacrifice sleep for the thrill of snagging great deals.

The trend of early shopping continues, despite the evolving retail landscape. Longtime visitor Arlene Genden Sage from New York reminisced, “We used to get here around 3 a.m. and drive down after Thanksgiving dinner.” She and her group have been making this trip since she was seven years old, underscoring the deep-rooted traditions surrounding Black Friday shopping.

This year, the Cherry Hill Mall is not only accommodating big retailers like Macy’s and JCPenney, which extend their hours until 10 p.m., but also featuring local vendors in the Grand Court, allowing shoppers to support small businesses during the holiday rush. “Black Friday is my favorite vending day of the year – all the hustle and bustle,” said vendor organizer Kathy Hott from Hott Promotions.

As shoppers sip on their coffee and prepare for a long day ahead, the camaraderie and excitement are evident among the crowds. With the mall buzzing with activity, this year’s Black Friday promises to be a memorable one filled with both tradition and new shopping experiences.

In the coming hours, expect more shoppers to flood in, as many are eager to kick off their holiday shopping spree. The early risers today may be the first, but they certainly won’t be the last. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this bustling shopping event.