Marylanders hit stores in record numbers for Black Friday; online sales strong despite looming Amazon strike

BALTIMORE — A record number of shoppers hit stores and online retailers in Maryland and across the nation for Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year.

From the WJZ Drone, you could see plenty of cars packing the parking lot at the Long Gate Shopping Center in Ellicott City, Howard County.

Margaret and Jim started their day at 8 a.m. Friday. “I think it’s more the experience and the time of year. It makes it nice coming out, you know,” Margaret said. Jim shared his perspective, stating, “I want my hands on it when I’m buying something more than not.”

Kirstey, another shopper, preferred the traditional shopping experience. “I just feel like there’s so many more options now. You can do it online, but I don’t know, I like to come out and look because there’s different stuff,” she remarked.

The shopping season is shorter by five days this year, prompting retailers to target shoppers every moment they can. Deals began as early as October. “One trend we’ve noticed is that the holiday sales start earlier every year,” said a personal finance expert.

Shoppers filled their carts, eager to find deals. Although inflation remains a concern, retail analysts predict shoppers will spend on average roughly one thousand dollars each. “Inflation certainly remains top-of-mind for many consumers,” one expert noted. “Consumers are focused on sales and promotions but they’re willing to spend on things that matter to them.”

One Kohl’s shopper reported a substantial purchase, spending $531 and receiving $159 back in cash. “It’s a good day,” he commented.

Jabin Vahora is shopping for an upcoming trip to India. “This is my first place. My next stop is the mall — Arundel Mills. Long day. Very long day,” she said.

Amid this bustling shopping environment, Amazon warehouse workers across the nation are planning strikes and protests for better wages and working conditions. In recent years, some Amazon workers have pushed for unionization, although with varying success. In 2022, an Amazon facility in New York City’s Staten Island became the first and only company warehouse to vote to form a union. Other unionization efforts in Alabama and New York have not succeeded.

One expert commented on Amazon’s business practices, stating, “Amazon’s relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment and democracy.”

The growing trend of online shopping continues, with retailers discovering innovative ways to engage younger shoppers. “57 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds tell us that they’re likely to buy something this season on Instagram, 56 percent on TikTok,” said the president of Shopify.

“Consumers are using artificial intelligence to act as a shopping concierge,” he added. “The best brands in the world are rolling out new ways for consumers to shop, leading to some of the biggest holiday shopping days we’ve ever seen.”

Despite the rise of online shopping, retailers report that visits to brick-and-mortar stores have increased by more than three percent compared to pre-pandemic levels.