LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The big shopping day of the year arrived, and people lined up outside of stores early Friday morning to take advantage of Black Friday deals.
It all starts with arriving early and patiently waiting in the cold for the doors to open.
"We remembered all of our blankets, the snacks, the heater. It makes it a lot easier,” said Shirley Richie, whose group set up chairs near Fayette Mall’s doors.
As the line grew outside of the mall, people thought about which stores they'd go to first.
"For me, I'm going straight for Sephora and then racking up all of the makeup,” said Makayla Richter.
"I'm looking for gifts for people and candles for myself,” said Richie.
Then at 6:00 a.m., the doors opened, and it was finally time to hunt for deals. Some went in with a plan, while others just decided to wing it.
"Just find the cheapest stuff that looks good, I guess,” said Ethan Tuttle.
Everywhere you looked, prices were slashed, inviting shoppers into the stores.
"We're just kind of winging this. It's our first time in here Black Friday shopping,” said Reece Brown.
Even without a game plan, many shoppers were successful, weaving through the crowd with bags in hand. Although some people were there just to lend a helping hand.
"I actually come with my aunt and my cousin and I usually come and help them carry their bags and just help them out mainly,” said Joshua Weikle.
Some shoppers had fun with the big day, showing up in groups with matching shirts to show off their excitement.
This just the kickoff to the holiday shopping season which means the mall will continue to be busy. There is some help though.
"If you're worried about parking, because it gets very busy out here, we have complementary valet service all day today for Black Friday and throughout the weekend and the whole holiday season right in front of the Cheesecake Factory,” said Sarah Robinson, the Marketing Director for Fayette Mall.
It’s an option that makes it easier for people to, as the phrase goes, shop until they drop.
