Shoppers enjoy the return of Black Friday

LOCUST GROVE, Ga. — It was just one year ago when the COVID-19 pandemic limited the ability of shoppers to enjoy one of their most popular holiday pastimes. We are talking about the sport of post-Thanksgiving shopping or what is more popularly know as--Black Friday.

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Channel 2′s Kristen Holloway was there before sunrise Friday morning speaking with shoppers who came out to the Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove ready to shop for whatever bargains were available.

Bobby and Jilrenda Nolen told Holloway they were fully prepared to brave the cold on windy, early Black Friday morning.

“I love it,” said Bobby.

“I don’t mind because I haven’t done this in a long time so I was excited to get up and come with him.” said Jilrenda

The couple stood in a long line here at the Polo Store at the Tanger Outlets in Henry County. They were excited to get their hands on some great deals.

“50% off you can’t beat that,” said Bobby Nolen. “So I just wanted to come out and do a little early shopping for the family.”

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With tons of shipping delays already plaguing this holiday season, people told Holloway they prefer to just shop in person.

“I like to come in try things on,” said Jilrenda.

Trent Whiteire said he didn’t want to wait for any more deliveries.

“I just a bought a T.V. online from Best Buy and I was looking at deals online and I was like you know what I’m just going skip all the delivery hassle and just go find one in person,” Whiteire said.

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Tanger Outlets Marketing Director Tatiana Ellis said her team had their hands full preparing for the crowds in Locust Grove on Friday.

“We reached out to all of our stores to make sure they’re stocked with inventory and have the best deals. We promote all of the deals on our social media,” said Ellis

Whiteire said he’s just happy to get back to his Black Friday tradition.

“So good to be back to normal,” said Whiteire. “I’m so glad about just not having to worry about being close to everybody and wearing a mask all the time.”

Tanger stores in Henry County close at 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

Stores and shoppers alike getting ready for Black Friday in the metro Some stores opened up with Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving and shoppers took advantage.

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