CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-area malls and big box stores saw the annual surge of shoppers as Black Friday kicked off the start of the holiday shopping rush.
Sharon Campbell is the general manager at Charlotte Premium Outlets.
“This is typically the busiest shopping day of the year so we will see larger crowds than any other day of the year," she said. "It is also is a fun, festive family tradition."
Parking spots filled up by mid-morning at that mall as shoppers rushed to find sales of 50% off and even more.
One of those shoppers was Mike Rogers, who told NBC Charlotte things had been going well.
“Traffic wasn’t too bad getting in," he said. "Some of the stores are pretty crowded, but it's not bad in general.”
Rogers said he liked the idea of getting out on Black Friday.
“Anyone can shop at home on the phone," Rogers said. "I like to come out to the stores and see what’s going on."
Some sales started earlier in the week, stretching out the spending that was once reserved for Black Friday.
While many shoppers now prefer to make their holiday purchases from the comfort of home, there are still those who enjoy the hunt for a parking space, don’t mind the lines, and love to get that good deal.
“It’s the Christmas season," shopper Lori Sweet said. "I enjoy getting out and fighting the crowds."
Because Thanksgiving came so late this year, there are actually six fewer days to shop until Christmas.