Amidst online shopping popularity, in-person Black Friday shopping remains a tradition

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Online shopping has become more popular the past few years, but shoppers say that they still plan on heading to the mall on Black Friday this year.

According to the National Revenue Federation 131 million shoppers plan to take advantage of Black Friday Deals this year. The NRF reported that two thirds of those shoppers plan to shop in person.

“You know we like to support the stores brick and mortar,” said Madison shopper Rio Saken. “We like to feel and see the merchandise and the products, feel and see and try on clothes you know whatever the product may be, we like to do it and see it in person.”

Nate Walsh is the general manager of Tradehome Shoes at West Towne Mall. He said that he has seen customers buy both online and in-person.

“I think its dialed down a little bit from ten to fifteen years ago and people shopping online, but you still get those people who want to get out and enjoy the atmosphere you know,” said Walsh.

He said that the atmosphere of Black Friday shopping is a tradition for a lot of his customers.

“I think that’s kind of the coolest part that happened recently in retail especially with Black Friday. It’s been like, hey, lets go out and almost people watch to a degree,” Walsh said.

He added that “Black Friday has become more of an event day so it’s kind of like going to the fair! They like to come out with all their cool jammies they just got,” said Walsh.

Younger shoppers like Quinn Mangerson and Ellie McNamer admitted that they do normally prefer to shop from their phones.

“I feel like our generation, most of the stuff we get is online,” said Mangerson.

Even though they typically shop online, the friends quickly agreed that during the holiday season, they come to the mall because it is part of the fun of holiday shopping.

“I might go out because it’s kind of more fun to try on the clothes or whatever you are going to get,” said Mangerson.

“I don’t think Black Friday will ever die out because it’s just right before the holidays,” Mcnamer added.

West Towne Mall is holding a special event on Black Friday. Marketing Director Eric Zizich says if you present receipts with 200 or more dollars in sales from West Town Mall retailers, you are eligible for a free photo package with Santa Claus.

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