Locals debate on Black Friday shopping

Thanksgiving is a time for many to get a jump start on holiday shopping. However, some locals are choosing to stay home.

“Just looking for those sales only what we really need,” said Gema Sanchez, who lives in Salinas.

But some locals disagree. Millions of shoppers will make room to devour Black Friday sales.

More than 120 stores at the Northridge Mall in Salinas will be open Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

“I feel like Thanksgiving doesn’t always mean the same to everyone,” said Desiryn Gonzalez of Salinas. “I think if they want to go shopping on Thanksgiving they should be able to go shopping on Thanksgiving.”

Retail reports estimate 135,000,000 Americans plan to shop Thanksgiving weekend and general manager Susan Causey says Black Friday weekend can have upwards of 25,000 people. They expect over 100,000 people this weekend.

“They want to come in, they want to see it,” said Marketing Director Jennifer Filice. “They want to show their friends, they want to ask opinions. They want to really think about what they want to buy this year.”

The National Retail Federation Anticipates online sales will increase this holiday by at lease 6%. They say 183,000,000 people plan to shop on Cyber Monday.

Some local shoppers say a click on the mouse or swipe on their mobile phone comes with less stress. Digital gifting, along with same day or free delivery…something brick and mortar stores have a hard time competing against .

“Black Friday sales everything that’s in store is usually online,” said Katharine Holderfield from Salinas.