Black Friday preview: Spartanburg's WestGate Mall prepares for more in-person shopping
Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year for many stores, but many are already offering online holiday deals and shoppers are getting an early start.
Part of the early start this year is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide supply chain issues causing concern of shortages among shoppers.
While many people have already begun their holiday shopping, an estimated 64% of shoppers are likely to shop in stores this Black Friday, up from 51% last year, according to the National Retail Federation.
A recent survey of 7,837 adult shoppers showed that clothing tops the list of what consumers plan to buy, followed by gift cards, toys, books/music/video games, and food and candy, according to the NRF.
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Top toys for boys this season include LEGOs and trucks, Hot Wheels, PlayStation and video games. For girls, the top toys are Barbie, dolls, LOL dolls, LEGO, Apple products/smartphone, according to the NRF.
Santa Claus at Westgate Mall
Santa Claus arrived at WestGate Mall Nov. 19, kicking off the start of the holiday shopping season that runs through Christmas Eve.
"We're thrilled to celebrate the magic of the holidays with our shoppers," stated Sam Billingsley, general manager for WestGate Mall. "This season will be filled with memory-making experiences perfect for the entire family."
A popular feature has been brought back this season, Pet Photo Nights, where shoppers can dress up and take photos with St. Nick. Pet Photo Nights will be Monday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6 and 13.
Santa will be near the Food Court from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Photo packages will be available for purchase. See where to make a reservation and view a full list of holiday and Santa photo hours.
Mall hours:
Normal business hours at WestGate Mall are: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Special holiday hours are: Thanksgiving Day, closed; Black Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 19, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 20-23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Christmas Eve, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Christmas Day, closed; New Year's Eve Day and New Year's Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early shopping
Many big stores have already begun their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales online. Most of the 1,000 consumers recently surveyed by RetailMeNot said they plan to split their shopping between in-store and online shopping.
According to the survey, 19% said they started shopping in August or earlier; 18% in September; 22% in October; and 24% before Thanksgiving; and 17% said they planned to shop on Black Friday or later.
Shipping deadlines:
For a look at holiday shipping deadlines, see FedEx, USPS and UPS.
Holiday hours for Spartanburg retailers
Many large retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving, then reopen Friday morning, according to BlackFriday.com.
Among stores planning to be closed Thanksgiving Day are Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bath & Body Works, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, BJ's Wholesale, Costco, Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, JC Penney, Kohl's, Marshalls, Sam's Club, Target and Walmart.
► All Black Friday stores, according to BlackFriday.com.
► All Black Friday store hours.
Stores at the Gaffney Outlet Marketplace will be closed Thanksgiving Day, then reopen from 6 a.m. to 9 pm. Friday.
A sample of deals
► Belk, closed Thanksgiving but open online. Open Black Friday in stores. Among deals are 65% off men's IZOD pants, 50% off select women's and men's Champion clothing, and sales prices on Hot Wheels, Barbie dolls and fisher-price toys.
► Walmart, closed Thanksgiving, but open online. Open Black Friday in stores. Deals for Days specials at Walmart that began Nov. 10 online and Nov. 12 in store, including Barbie Estate 3-In-1 Dreamcamper Vehicle Doll Accessories, 60 pieces, for $60 – marked down from $99.99; and Shark EZ Robot Vacuum with self-empty base for $288, marked down from $499; and up to $18 off all LEGO toy sets.
► Target: closed Thanksgiving, but open online. Open Black Friday in stores. Deals include Buy 2 get one free on select Disney toys and apparel; SHJ Black Friday preview 20% off select kids' board games. Prices marked down on fashion pieces, smart tech or home goods. The pre-holiday deal includes markdowns on top-tier home and kitchen appliances, TVs, fashion pieces, best-selling Beats headphones (the brand that makes one of our favorite wireless earbuds), beauty essentials, toys and more.
► Kohl's, closed Thanksgiving, but open online. Open Black Friday in stores. 30% off LEGO building sets; $69.99 for youth bikes – marked down from $119.99; price reductions on electronics and $15 Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent.
► Amazon, Black Friday sale runs for 48 hours, starting Thanksgiving Day and ending on Black Friday. Deals cover everything from Amazon's Echo and Fire devices to headphones, gaming gear, TVs, home decor and more. Discounts on everything from kitchen essentials and electronics to toys and fashion pieces in the coming weeks.
► Dillard's: closed Thanksgiving, but open online. Open Black Friday in stores. Dillard’s Black Friday deals are officially live! Shop dillards.com today to take an additional 50% off select permanently reduced merchandise and up to 30% off select UGG styles.
► JCPenney: closed Thanksgiving, but open online. Open Black Friday in stores. Black Friday sale starts Black Friday and end on Sunday, Nov. 28, with steep discounts on everything from small kitchen appliances and toys to clothing and home decor. Shoppers can also save on more select products, thanks to JCPenney's $15 Rewards program and mail-in rebate opportunities.
Contact Bob Montgomery at bob.montgomery@shj.com
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: WestGate Mall prepares for more in-person Black Friday shoppers
