This “Black Friday,” Governor’s Square Mall is giving people more of an incentive to come out and shop.
This year, not only will shoppers receive retailer discounts, but also free gifts from stores inside the mall is expected to draw even more shoppers. For every $100 spent that morning, the mall will reimburse shoppers with a gift card.
“We are giving 10 percent back for every $100 spent,” said Governor’s Square operations manager, Bill Justice. “Considering all the money people usually spend on Black Friday, most people will receive at least an extra 20 percent back to spend wherever they want.”
Gift cards will be redeemable in the lower level of Sears. To receive the card, a valid receipt dated Nov. 25 and identification are required. The redemption zone opens an hour after the mall opens and will stay open for an extra six hours.
“From Black Friday until the New Year, the mall will most likely be packed, so we don’t mind showing a little appreciation for what’s to come,” said Governor’s Square General Manager Eric Litz.
In recent years, there have been complaints that stores should open late Thanksgiving night as opposed to early Friday morning. This will allow those who have issues getting to the mall early the same opportunity to find good deals. So this year, most stores in the mall will be opening at midnight, including Charlotte Russe, Journeys and Finish Line.
Tallahassee Community College student Brittany Johnson said during her freshman year there was no way for her to get to the mall so early because most other students were gone and she had to wait on the bus.
“Since there are clubs and so many other things open Friday nights, hopefully I’ll be able to get everything I need before the rush starts,” said Johnson.
Claire’s and Icing will open at 4 a.m. and Wetseal will open at 5 a.m.
After Black Friday, the Governor’s Square Mall will offer the same incentive every Friday throughout the holiday season. Gift cards are redeemable at the same location from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and receipts must be dated Dec. 2, 9, or 16.