Did you do some Black Friday shopping? You weren't alone

A gloomy morning and COVID concerns didn’t stop South Jersey shoppers from turning out in near pre-pandemic numbers this Black Friday.

Many were excited to shop, saying crowds and long lines meant the start of a return to normal. Others weighed the reward of deals against the risks of shopping amid the pandemic.

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Marie Cahill and Brittany Wikiera said they missed Black Friday in 2019 as well as 2020, so they got to the Cherry Hill Mall when it opened at 6 a.m. because they were excited to shop for one-day-only deals for the first time in two years. Three and a half hours later, the two, who came to Cherry Hill from Philadelphia, were “still going strong,” according to Wikiera.

“It just feels good to get out and spend some money and just hang out,” said Cahill.

The Cherry Hill Mall’s senior marketing director, Lisa Wolstromer, said the turnout this year was comparable to 2019 and that the move to close stores on Thanksgiving again this year pushed more people to shop on Black Friday.

“I think (people are) excited to come back with their family and friends,” she said. “(and) make the shopping experience a social outing again.”

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The Philadelphia-based Stay Humble, Stay Hungry apparel, was one of the more than a dozen small businesses invited to host pop-up shops inside the Cherry Hill Mall on Black Friday. Another was the Maryland-based Adonis Blue, a crystal health and wellness business.

“(Turnout) hasn’t been a grand slam here yet, but I know it will be,” said Adonis Blue owner and reiki master Fallon Loving.

A few miles east on Route 38, the Moorestown Mall was much calmer on Black Friday, although a couple stores, like the local sneaker store Soleply, did have long lines when the mall opened.

Miya and Alim Jones, of Deptford, said COVID heavily factored into their decision to shop.

“We really took (COVID) into consideration, so we got an early start,” said Alim Jones. “We’re trying to get in, get it done and get back home before anything really starts popping off.”

Miya Jones said the crowd wasn’t as bad as she expected, and that she believes “this year is more (about) appreciation” of the fact that people are able to shop in person.

“In this present environment, to me, I’m a little uncomfortable (shopping in-person),” said Alim Jones. “But between the internet, your phone and just running in the mall and out … It’s really not like you’re in the store hovering,” he said. “When we come out, we know exactly what we’re coming for. We’re not perusing.”

The Jones family hadn’t yet had much luck finding any deals, he said, but that wasn’t the case for Blanche Bulakowski, another shopper at the Moorestown Mall.

Great deals, like the ones she scored at Bath and Body Works and Boscov’s, were what brought Bulakowski out to shop, she said.

“I did purchase a few things online. Hearing about the shortages, I wanted to grab certain things right away,” she said. “I still love going out to the stores.”

Further south at the Gloucester Premium Outlets, the scene was reminiscent of a pre-pandemic Black Friday. Southbound traffic trying to get to the outlets from the 7B exit off Route 42 backed up at least half a mile around mid-day.

Food trucks were stationed around the outdoor shopping complex and dozens of shoppers lined up outside outlet stores like Nike and Aeropostale, while others meandered about in search of sales.

In line for Under Armour, Daniel Padua, of Vineland, said COVID was not an issue for him when he decided to shop on Black Friday.

“For the most part, I think the fear of COVID is kind of fading out somewhat,” said Padua, who had COVID in January. “It’s alarming enough where you’ve got to wear a mask, but it wasn’t a concern of mine.”

“I’m enjoying seeing everybody out, mingling and seeing community,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to be somewhat close to what normal once was.”

Hannah Kobus, of Audubon, said she came to the Gloucester Outlets because she “love(s) shopping.”

“Last year was kind of a miss because we didn’t get to go out, but it’s better this year,” she said in line for Vera Bradley. “I’m happy to be here.”

In regards to COVID concerns, she said, “you only live once and you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

At the Vineland Walmart, shopper Adam Smith said it’s a tradition for him to shop in-person on Black Friday.

"Might as well get the deals while their good,” he said. “I planned my shopping route out last night but today I overslept so I'm running a little behind but no big deal, I'll get it done."

When asked if he felt safe shopping due to COVID Smith replied, "everyone has different views on COVID. I'm not even vaccinated, but for me it's kind of over and I do feel safe shopping.”

Also at the Vineland Walmart, Joanne Pacheco said she was disappointed that Black Friday no longer feels special.

"Unfortunately, it's not the same, not like years past. It's more like a normal shopping day,” she said. “No lines, the aisles weren't packed. There isn't even that many people in the store.”

Staff reporters Joe Lamberti and Adam Monacelli contributed to this report.

Aedy Miller covers education and the economy for the Burlington County Times, Courier-Post, and The Daily Journal. They are a multimedia journalist from Central Jersey and a recent graduate of the George Washington University.

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Black Friday shoppers made most of hours, deals and COVID restrictions