UPDATE: Black Friday shopping is thriving at Washington Square Mall in Tigard, Oregon, as shoppers flock to the popular destination despite ongoing affordability concerns. Just hours into the shopping day, the mall is buzzing with activity, with officials expecting over 100,000 shoppers to take advantage of in-store deals.
Shoppers began arriving early, with lines forming outside popular stores by 6:30 a.m.. Enthusiastic crowds rushed in for deals on everything from clothes to tech gadgets. “Let’s go! Let’s go!” echoed through the food court, as families and friends gathered for a day of shopping that many consider a tradition.
According to Lisa Frisch, a spokesperson for Washington Square, many retailers are offering exclusive in-store promotions to attract foot traffic. “There is a tradition aspect to it,” Frisch emphasized, highlighting the social element of shopping during the holidays.
However, economic uncertainty looms over many consumers. Rajiv Sharma, an economics professor at Portland State University, noted that rising costs from tariffs and health insurance are causing anxiety among shoppers. “Oregonians and Portland residents are part of the global and national economy,” he stated, indicating that many are feeling the pinch this season.
While high-income shoppers may spend freely, many low- and middle-income families are grappling with the realities of affordability and job security. “Uncertainty is likely a predominant feeling among a large number of consumers this season,” Sharma added, warning that this could affect overall holiday spending.
As the day progresses, shoppers are also reacting to reports of potential shortages in popular items like toys and electronics. Recent market data indicates that categories such as baby products and housewares have seen significant price increases. “If consumers are sufficiently spooked by these reports, it is possible that they will spend more heavily this weekend to beat possible shortages later in the season,” Sharma explained.
At Washington Square, excitement is palpable. A dedicated group of Lego enthusiasts, numbering around 30, lined up outside the Lego store before dawn, eager to purchase the highly anticipated $399.99 Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise set. The first in line, Mike Halasz from Washougal, arrived at 4:45 a.m., while fellow fans Trevor Glasheen and Patrick Young arrived shortly after, all sharing a sense of urgency and anticipation.
Halasz expressed optimism about overall shopping trends, pointing to a forecast from the National Retail Federation predicting a 4% increase in holiday spending this year, potentially surpassing $1 trillion for the first time. “This is Christmas,” Glasheen remarked, acknowledging the significance of his purchase as a major part of his holiday budget.
As the day unfolds, Washington Square Mall continues to draw crowds, marking a strong showing for in-person shopping amid the rise of online retail. The mall’s vibrant atmosphere is a testament to the enduring spirit of Black Friday, even as economic concerns weigh heavily on many consumers.
Stay tuned for further updates as the holiday shopping season progresses.