Thousands of shoppers take advantage of Black Friday Deals at Danbury Fair Mall
"There's so many perks to being in store, like touching, feeling, the special in-store promos and deals. Never mind, you know, you get to go with friends or family and grab a cup of coffee, make it a tradition. We definitely see traffic here on Black Friday," Ruotolo said.
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Online shopping has gained popularity in recent years, especially during the holiday season. No long lines, sifting through clothes, or trying to find the perfect outfit. Just find what you need online, and check out.
However, the Danbury Fair Mall might be an exception. Every year, the mall attracts thousands of shoppers who are looking for the best deals.
"I still think you get better deals today than the earlier sales," said Robert Babcock, a shopper.
He and his family woke up at 5 a.m. on Friday and drove from Hyde Park, New York, to the Danbury Mall. The Babcocks said it's a tradition to go Black Friday shopping every year.
The family won a Cuisinart Barista Bar from JCPenney when the store was doing a giveaway, something they wouldn't have been able to get if they were shopping online.
Nicole Ruotolo, the marketing manager at the mall, said Black Friday brings in a lot of foot traffic, especially as the mall continues to add more stores to the shopping center.
"There's so many perks to being in store, like touching, feeling, the special in-store promos and deals. Never mind, you know, you get to go with friends or family and grab a cup of coffee, make it a tradition. We definitely see traffic here on Black Friday," Ruotolo said.
Some shoppers also waited in line on Friday morning for stores like Target to open. Aurora Thapell-Bracero, 8, was one of them.
"I woke up at 3:30 a.m. Me and my family got blankets and we waited until 6 a.m. to get bags from Target and my dad won a prize and it was a blow dryer," she said.
Target gave away tote bags to the first 100 guests in line. The bag contained random items such as headphones, gift cards and a Ninja Slushie. It was done in 30 minutes. Although Aurora didn't love waking up so early, she'll continue to do it every year with her family because she said it's fun.
Additionally, for the third year in a row, the mall is having a Pajamathon. They are teaming up with the Department of Children and Families - Foster Care Division to collect pajamas for foster children in Danbury. Customers can shop at any store of their choosing and then drop off new pajamas in Center Court. Sizes from baby through teen are being accepted.
The mall will also donate $1,500 to the Department of Children and Families.
The pajama collection will continue throughout the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off in Center Court near Santa's Station in the mall.
