Black Friday still lures shoppers

Shoppers were out in full force on Black Friday to get the best deals. Despite having the chance to shop before Thanksgiving, malls in Colorado Springs were still packed.

On Black Friday, you expect nothing but busy, bustling stores.

“Lot of people out here. Still get a good deal,” said shopper Robert Gayle.

“I got more than 50 percent off on a lot of my stuff,” said shopper Kayla Wilson.

The Citadel Mall opened at midnight, but many shoppers decided to wait it out.

“So we decided to come out this evening and give it a shot then, didn’t want to fool with too many people. It’s still a little crowded, but not bad,” said Gayle.

‘Not that bad’ seems like an understatement. The mall told KRDO they’ve had a slight increase in sales and traffic this year compared to last year’s Black Friday.

“I just thought it was going to die off and I’m shocked that it hasn’t,” said Kayla Wilson

Wilson got up bright and early on Friday to shop in Denver. She says Citadel Mall was busier hours later. She expected the Springs’ mall to be a little less crazy, which it wasn’t.

Then again, Robert Gayle and his family recall Black Fridays much more frightening.

“Couple years ago, just on Friday, oh God it was terrible! Just terrible,” said Gayle.

Since Thanksgiving came later this year, the holiday shopping season is shortened. So stores expect to be busy through Christmas.

“This is just the start of it,” said Gayle.

Many of those Black Friday deals last through Sunday.