BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The weather may be cold, but Black Friday deals are hot. It wasn’t hard to see shoppers braving the elements, saying it’s all worth it to save some money.
It brought Crystal Rands and her children all the way from Pine Island to the doorstep of Mall of America.
“This is our fifth year doing this,” Rands smiled. This year they were first in line at MOA, arriving just before 2 p.m. Rands says it’s become a fun family tradition, but the cold this year makes it really difficult to stand outside.
“It’s freezing to be honest. I’m trying to cover up as best I can and stay warm, but it’s getting the best of me,” said Emma Linge.
A lot has changed over the years: Major stores didn’t open Thanksgiving night, which meant no lines.
Still, experts say more than 85 million Americans are expected to shop in-store, and the National Retail Federation estimates people plan to spend an eye-watering $900 per person!
But for Rands and her family, it’s about more than just money and buying things online.
“I really think this takes away from the thrill seekers: standing in line and shopping.”
An experience worth standing outside for almost 17 hours until Mall of America opens at 7am
