WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- At the Palm Beach Outlets it’s the sight of the holidays and the sound of money. From young to old, Friday the goal was the same.
“We are trying to find some deals for Black Friday,” one shopper said.
For a group of vacationers it was a couple of factors that got them out the door.
“We love the weather I have to say,” one said.
Also, explaining they prefer shopping in person instead of online.
“When you order online, stuff never seems to fit quite right,” the shopper said.
Marketing Director for Palm Beach Outlets, Trina Holmsted, says Black Friday is becoming more of an experience for customers than your everyday shopping trip.
“You can shop, grab a bite to eat and make it a really fun day,” Holmsted said.
She says they have already seen more customers compared to last year. It's a sign "Black Friday" could be the key to keeping "brick and mortar" stores alive.
“We’ve had a lot of fun so far,” another shopper at Palm Beach Outlets said.
As construction carries on at Rosemary Square, customers are still checking out the Black Friday deals. For some this is their first time experiencing the redesigned public spaces area.
“This has been great, seeing all the stuff that they are doing with the tile work and the painting. It’s still great experience especially for Black Friday it’s not too terribly crowded,” Lindsey Spruell said.
For months the shops were surrounded by construction. Now some signs and yellow tape remain, but the walkways are open for pedestrian traffic.
Over on Hibiscus Street one restaurant didn’t make it to the end of the construction project. However, City Pizza says they are here to stay. Now, with roads reopening and tourism season here they are ready to recoup.
“The grand opening is in the next couple of days and we really look forward to the business that’s going to be coming in,” Flare Singer, City Pizza manager said.
Parking garages are open at Rosemary Square and a Holiday Celebration will be held, Saturday from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
