Shoppers getting used to new Black Friday

It’s a different Black Friday.

Shoppers usually get caught up in the crowds trying to find the best bargains on items, but for places like the Chapel Hills Mall that is now being held on Thanksgiving.

“I expected there to be people trampling each other,” Ryann Maginat said when she arrived to the mall at 3 a.m.

The mall opened its doors at 6 p.m. Thursday and people who work at the mall said it started to slow down at 2 a.m. Friday.

Debbie McNunn kept the tradition alive by shopping on Friday, even though she was happy not to see big crowds interfere with her shopping, she doesn’t like mixing the biggest shopping day of the year with Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving should be spent with family and friends and we should be able to enjoy that day before going out to do this mad rush,” McNunn said.

Jenny Lovin liked the idea of Black Friday starting early because it gave her time to shop, rest and then shop again.

“We were able to go home and sleep for a little bit then get back up later. It wasn’t an all day event,” Lovin said.

Small businesses felt the effects of the major stores opening like James Herriges’ sunglass kiosk.

“It’s something you have to take a hit on, you have to make sure your business grows,” he said.

Herriges likes a traditional Black Friday, and he knows for his business to survive he will have to open on Thanksgiving in the future, but he is looking on the bright side.

“You have people that spend it out, so at least they can rest and comeback,” he said.