TYSONS, Va. — Black Friday shopping has evolved throughout the years with earlier deals and online shopping but braving the crowds in the parking lot and malls have become part of the post-Thanksgiving attraction for many families.
In the busy Tysons Corner Center, Lisa Service said being in the mix of shoppers is a tradition she shares with her family from out of town.
“We come just for the camaraderie to see everybody and see the sales,” Service told WUSA9. “It’s just super fun just to kind of be pushing around with everyone.”
Dirk Reinermann said while he tried to find a camera, he’s spending time outside the stores like Victoria’s Secret as his wife and daughters go shopping.
“I’m just waiting at this point,” Reinermann said. “They love Black Friday. They always come out and I come with them, and I try to find something as well.”
A record 183 million people are expected to shop, whether online or in-store, this holiday weekend, according to a National Retail Federation survey. The number is higher than the previous year.
Online remains the top destination this year, with 57% of consumers planning on making their holiday purchases online.
However, Reinermann said online shopping is a “bit dry.”
“I think there’s a buzz out here,” he added. “I think people just love the excitement of finding deals.”
“While most consumers will opt to shop at traditional retailers this holiday season, many younger consumers between the ages of 18 to 24 will also head to thrift stores and resale shops,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said in a statement.
Americans are projected to spend $989 billion this holiday season.
NRF said shoppers are spending about $25 more per person, compared to last year. That’s also 16 dollars higher than the previous record set before the pandemic.
Parents are expecting to spend a little over $1,000 on average, according to Circana, a marketing research firm.
Service said while she likes to think of having no budget for her children, she believes she’ll spend about $1,000 for each of her two kids.
“Is my husband watching,” Service joked.