Family Tradition Extends Into Black Friday Shopping

North East Mall in Hurst says it listened to the demands of shoppers and opened at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving for Black Friday, four hours earlier than last year.

Though there was a lull in the crowd overnight, by late Friday morning the mall was packed once again.

For one local family, Black Friday goes beyond simple tradition. The Robertson family arrived at North East mall wearing matching T-shirts, scarves and headbands for the shopping extravaganza. 

It’s the 13th year for Heather, her mom, Melody and sister-in-law Kathy to take part in the annual frenzy. This year was the earliest they'd gotten into line.

“4 p.m. yesterday at Toys R Us,” said Melody Robertson.  “We talked about it, that we’d lose part of our Black Friday credentials if we didn’t start early. It was hard to cut Thanksgiving short, and it’s not really the deals, it’s just being together.  So, we have a good time."

Still, the deals were worth it. 

“Dr. Dre Solo for $119 at Target, normally $179.99,” said Heather Robertson.

More than a dozen retailers started their Black Friday on Thanksgiving to compete for Christmas cash in a shortened shopping season.

“Corporate greed, I mean we would start at 2 o’clock in the morning and they could give all these people in retail time with their families.  I feel bad for them,” said Melody.

Picture It Framed owner Betty Raney knows if the malls is open, she has to be open for business.

“You have to be here and be ready in today's economy.  You have to be here for all the sales you can get,” said Raney.  “I don't like it.  I think Thanksgiving is a day to spend with your family.”

Joel Lemus spent Thanksgiving at home, then went out to shop around 1:30 a.m.

“I thought it was going to be longer lines, but it was pretty good for Black Friday,”

Lemus only shopped for a few hours, then he and a friend took naps for a few hours in the mall chairs.  “We didn't want to drive all sleepy,” Lemus said.

North East Mall will be open 26 hours straight, until 10 p.m. on Friday,

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