ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Black Friday, historically the biggest holiday season shopping day of the year, has arrived. With the rise of online shopping and the end of Thanksgiving evening “early bird specials”, Black Friday may not be as chaotic as it used to be. However, the National Retail Federation still forecasts a massive shopping surge on the day.
It estimates that Americans will spend between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion between now and the end of December. That’s 3.7% to 4.2% more than last year. Here’s what to know before you head out:
Hours for malls and big box stores
JCPenney and Kohl’s will open at 5 a.m. Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, and Best Buy will open at 6 a.m. As for the malls, Eastview, Marketplace Mall, and the Mall at Greece Ridge will all open at 7 a.m.
News10NBC’s Kristi Blake was live outside the Target in Henrietta. Target has planned a special surprise for customers shopping in-store on this Black Friday. The first 100 people will receive a free, limited edition holiday tote filled with giveaways and extras.
Security plan for malls
Local malls are planning to boost their security during the holiday shopping season to keep everyone safe. The Greece Police Department will have more officers at Greece Ridge Mall. You’ll see officers inside the mall, in the parking lots, and at entrances.
In addition, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office plans to increase patrols at Eastview Mall. The sheriff’s office shared some tips to prevent theft, such as keeping items in your car out of view and not leaving purses, wallets, or cellphones on store counters, in carts, or in bathrooms.
How is consumer confidence and how could tariffs make an impact this holiday season?
This year’s holiday shopping season comes as consumer confidence is down. After the longest federal government shutdown in history, weak hiring, and stubborn inflation, the Consumer Confidence Index has dropped from 95.5 in October to 88.7 this month. That’s the lowest reading since April.
Still, Black Friday lives on as the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. This year’s Black Friday comes as companies navigate the President Trump administration’s tariffs on imported goods.
Many companies have absorbed some of the costs and pulled back on hiring instead of raising prices for customers. Shoppers nonetheless have remained resilient and willing to spend, at least judging by the solid quarterly sales reports from Walmart, Best Buy and other retailers.
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