WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — As temperatures dip on Black Friday, many shoppers said they’d rather stay cozy inside their cars, bypassing traditional long lines outside retail stores. Instead, they’re waiting for the opportunity to go inside and start their holiday shopping.
“I just didn’t want to stand in the cold,” said one shopper, as she waited in her car in the parking lot. “It’s way too cold to stand out there, but I still want to get some good deals.”
The trend of waiting in cars, instead of standing in line, has become more common as many shoppers look to avoid the chill while still kicking off their holiday shopping. For some, it’s a sign of changing Black Friday traditions.
Ashley Kincheloe, the store director at a major retail location, says the store in Waco is prepared to serve shoppers throughout the day, especially as many customers arrive earlier this year for their extended Black Friday shopping hours.
“We always try to stay prepared for our customers. So we’ll actually have cart corral people throughout the day, making sure our customers have their needs met,” said Kincheloe.
For Chyla Mabry and her family, Black Friday shopping isn’t just about the deals—it’s about making memories together. The Mabry family has been continuing a tradition they started years ago, and even the youngest members of the family join in.
“We wake up tired and groggy and drinking coffee, and we just come. We started, I guess, when I was pregnant with him is actually when we started Black Friday shopping,” said Chlya, referring to her teenage son. “So we’ve come every year no matter how tired we are from the day before,”
While some shoppers prefer the convenience of online deals, the Mabry family embraces the in-store experience.
“We always look forward to it. We don’t even ask—we just check in with each other, and everyone says ‘Yes,’” Chyla explained.
Despite the option of shopping from home, many other shoppers are just getting started on their Black Friday shopping sprees, with plans to visit several stores throughout the day.
For them, it’s not just about the sales, but the experience of hunting for deals and enjoying the holiday season together.
With the parking lot filling up and families streaming inside, it’s clear that Black Friday has evolved into a day for both savings and making memories, even if it means braving the cold or waiting a little longer for the doors to open.