Black Friday shoppers were out in full force, trying to grab some steals and deals. NY1's Michael Scotto reports from Queens Center Mall.
To the surprise of shoppers, crowds at the Queens Center mall were not out of control Friday. But throughout the morning, a steady stream of people flowed through the collection of shops looking to snatch up deeply discounted holiday gifts.
"This is the time when you get the Christmas gifts for less," said one shopper.
A number of shoppers started early, arriving before the sun came up.
Jeanette Ivers woke up at 4 a.m. to beat the crowds, but she almost had to go all the way back home.
"I got over to the first store probably about 5 o'clock this morning, and I spent a lot longer in there, and then I nearly had a nervous breakdown because I hadbrought the wrong wallet and I had left all my money and credit cards at home, but thankfully, I managed to find a debit card that I had."
Stores here and across the country find themselves trying whatever they can to get shoppers in the door now that more and more people are doing all their shopping online.
Some department stores swung open their gates on Thanksgiving and stayed open through the night. Analysts say brick-and-mortar stores, which are suffering through sluggish fall sales, had no choice.
"It's expected to be a very mobile holiday," said Vera Gibbons, a contributor with FatWallet. "People are using their phones for just about everything these days, even to make purchases directly from their phones."
But that's not for every shopper.
"I like to listen to the Christmas music. It puts me in the spirit," said one shopper. "I prefer coming here than shopping online."
For those who find the experience too stressful, just skip the shopping and get a back rub.