Shoppers pour into Lenox Square for Black Friday deals

ATLANTA - For many it has become a Thanksgiving tradition, shopping for those Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day.

“We have been waiting in line since 3 p.m., we did not want to leave,” said Marta O’Conner who stood in line for three hours with her two children. 

O’Conner was one of several shoppers who poured into Lenox Square when they opened the doors at 6pm.  O’Conner was hoping to find a birthday gift for her son, who turned 13-years-old on Thanksgiving.

“It’s his birthday, he does not get regular birthday parties like all the other kids because he is a Thanksgiving baby, so I figured this would be a good time to celebrate and save some money at the same time,” said O’Connor.

Shoppers made their way in and out of stores, hoping to snatch up those deals.

“We bought a couple of clothes items for these kids who are growing so quickly,” said Adrian Bird who traveled with his family from South Carolina, but not to shop.

“We thought that the tree was being lit this evening and the fireworks, but we missed that, but instead we thought we would have a look around and see what the bargains are,” said Bird.

Some shoppers said they would not sacrifice Thanksgiving with their families for shopping.

“Just ate and then went to sleep after and then came here,” said Shantaya Dawes who was shopping with her family after they enjoyed their Thanksgiving afternoon meal.

Lenox Square is scheduled to close at 1 a.m., but a staff member said if there were several people still shopping, the stores would stay open.  Lenox Square will re-open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.