HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) -- Shoppers are gearing up as Black Friday quickly approaches. After 50 years in Hagerstown, the Valley Mall is still going strong, despite consumers embracing the online retail experience. A half-century ago retail was concentrated in downtown and Hagerstown was no exception. Then shopping malls sprouted along with metropolitan development. Western Maryland ‘Boots to Suits’ matches service veterans with employers Michele Unger has worked at Reed's Jewelry store in the Valley Mall for the past 30 years and observes that "there have been changes in the retail world over these many years." "But the mall keeps bringing in new and different things and is thriving. Customers still come to the mall to shop," she said. "It's still family here. It's a family thing to get out and come to the mall." Despite competition from online shopping, Unger said "there's nothing like trying on clothes yourself and looking and touching and feeling the merchandise." Mall manager Julie Rohm said a trip to the mall is a diverse retail experience from online shopping. "Shoppers have the computer in their hand," Rohm said. "They shop, they do everything on their computer but for entertainment, they feel that coming to a physical shopping center like Valley Mall is an important experience for them." Washington County pays Veterans Day salute to Morris Frock American Legion Auxiliary Brenda Shanholtz shares that view. She has worked at Valley Mall since 1983. "They're still shopping online," Shanholtz said. "But they come here to the mall for the entertainment value of the experience." Rohm said the mall looks forward to building on its community partnerships over the holiday season and supporting local nonprofits. "I've been here for 30 years and it has truly been a blessing to be in this mall and see all the wonderful changes and the wonderful customers who still come through these doors," Rohm said.