Tampa Bay Malls Prepare For Black Friday Shoppers

TAMPA, FL - The race is on for the biggest bargains and hottest gifts this holiday season.

This year’s post-turkey shopping frenzy and Black Friday gift grab are expected to generate $5.57 billion for American retailers, up more than 5 percent from 2016’s perennial buying spree, according to BestBlackFriday.com, a website that follows holiday shopping-related trends and statistics.

This is good news for Tampa Bay malls, which are preparing for the onslaught of bargain hunters with expanded hours, free transportation from remote parking areas and thousands of seasonal employees.

According to Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, 69 percent of Americans adding up to 164 million people will tackle holiday traffic jams on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday to take advantage of the deep discounts offered.

“Consumers will benefit from competitive promotions both in stores and online lasting the course of the weekend, allowing them to find the best gifts at the lowest prices,” Shay said in a press release issued last week.

Getting great deals isn’t the only motivation for hitting the malls this weekend.

According to a survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics on behalf of the NRF, 35 percent of people say they shop Thanksgiving weekend because it’s a family tradition. Another 23 percent say they head to the stores to take in the holiday decorations and displays.

“We’re seeing a lot of consumers report tradition and the opportunity to partake in holiday cheer as reasons for shopping,” Prosper principal analyst Pam Goodfellow said. “For Gen Z, the holiday shopping weekend is a can’t-miss opportunity. This group overwhelmingly sees in-store shopping as a valuable way to connect with others, be it friends, family or store associates at their favorite retailers.”

Nevertheless, the allure of the deal is the primary reason people tolerate standing in long lines, fighting crowds and battling traffic jams on Thanksgiving weekend, she said.

For Tampa Bay residents who are planning Black Friday shopping sprees, here’s a rundown of the hours the malls will be open Nov. 24:

• International Plaza and Bay Street, 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa – Black Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Westfield Citrus Park, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa – Black Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tampa Bay Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, Lutz – Black Friday, 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Westfield Countryside, 27001 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater – Black Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa - Black Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Westfield Brandon, 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon – Black Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• WestShore Plaza, 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa – Thanksgiving, Black Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel – Black Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Tyrone Square Mall, 6901 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg – Black Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Gulf View Square Mall, 9409 U.S. 19, Port Richey – Black Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Centro Ybor, 1600 E. 8th Ave., Tampa – Black Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Hyde Park Village, 744 S. Village Circle, Tampa – Black Friday, 7 and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo via Pixabay