Black Friday shoppers descend on Austin stores

Black Friday officially kicks off the holiday shopping season, but times are changing, and many retailers are finding their numbers being in the black in part due to online sales.

AUSTIN, Texas - Shoppers certainly wasted no time getting up early this morning and getting to the mall and other stores for Black Friday.

Kendall and McKenzie Couch had a plan to wake up early, and we mean very early.

“We planned to leave at 3, but we left at 10,” said McKenzie.

They still made it to Barton Creek Square in time to catch some deals.

“We got six candles from Bath and Body Works. Kendall got another sweater and some Christmas presents,” said McKenzie.

They were in good company. The mall was bustling with visitors on Black Friday.

“I like the rush, I think it's a lot of fun, and the deals are really good,” said shopper Aubrey Doerr.

Black Friday officially kicks off the holiday shopping season, but times are changing, and many retailers are finding their numbers being "in the black" in part due to online sales.

“It's a digital world nowadays. Everyone's going online. Online is definitely up for us. We have a lot of things going on in store that a lot of the guests might not see that we are still fulfilling, like those digital orders in store,” said Cory Immel, team leader at Target.

However, there are still shoppers who love to enjoy the personal, brick-and-mortar experience.

“There's a bad side to it and good side to it,” said Hazel Perea, referring to online sales.

“I would prefer in-person shopping, it just makes things more interesting and more fun rather than staying at home and ordering everything online,” said shopper Drake Snider.

For those who prefer to sit at home, Cyber Monday is your day, but there's still a reminder to never forget the reason for the season.

“It's about family and friends and being together,” said Perea.

Barton Creek Square has extended hours all weekend. Santa has also made his way to the mall and will be there until Christmas Eve.

You can check Barton Creek Square’s hours for Black Friday weekend here.

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