"Crowds aren't her favorite, but 80-year-old Dorene Luzzi of Redwood City wasn't letting that stop her Black Friday shopping plans. "It's been a nightmare," Luzzi said, gleeful as she showed off clothing deals she snagged for her family on Friday at Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo. Despite talk of the death of American malls due to online shopping and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peninsula center was full of life, with children climbing on the outdoor playground and every table in the food court packed."
""Going to in-person shopping, especially on Black Friday, is not just about buying something. It's about the experience - seeing the decorations, hearing the music, spending time with family and friends," Michelin told this news organization. "But the reality is, I'll also be the one who wants to beat the crowds and find a couple of deals online. It's truly a mix.""
"From Nov. 1 to Nov. 23, U.S. consumers spent $79.7 billion shopping online - a 7.5% increase from last year, according to Adobe Analytics. The National Retail Federation forecasts that holiday sales in November and December will grow 3.7% to 4.2% nationwide this year, topping $1 trillion. Last year, sales rose 4.3% over 2023, reaching $976.1 billion."
An 80-year-old shopper at Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo found bargains despite crowds, and the mall remained busy with families and a full food court. Many Bay Area consumers are balancing rising costs and economic uncertainty with the rituals and joy of holiday gift shopping. Shoppers are embracing both the convenience of online buying and the tradition of in-person browsing, treating Black Friday as an experience as well as a chance to find deals. Online spending from Nov. 1 to Nov. 23 reached $79.7 billion, and forecasts predict November-December sales to top $1 trillion. Retailers remain cautiously optimistic while navigating high costs, tariffs, and shifting consumer habits.
Read at The Mercury News
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