Protect yourself during Black Friday shopping weekend
Nov 28, 2024
HONOLULU (KHON2) -- It's going to be an extremely busy weekend for shoppers. Analysts predict more than $30 billion in sales over the Black Friday weekend.
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But with big sales, come big opportunity for thieves.
Thanksgiving shopping means picking up those last minute essentials.
"Poke, ahi poke, ahi sashimi, tako poke," said Nelson and Sharon Kotaka, Pearl City residents.
"It's a must," said Guy Tamashiro, Tamashiro Market. "I mean this is Hawaii. You know gotta have sashimi you know. Or poke."
But after the get-togethers, you need to move quick.
The biggest shopping weekend is finally here.
Black Friday sales across the country estimated to hit more than $10 billion. Cyber Monday sales estimated at $13 billion.
"Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Uh, no I have not, but I'm terrible," said Janet Arellano, visitor from California.
"I have not started yet," said Kilian Maitre, Ala Moana resident. "I think it's gonna be a good time with the Black Friday and the long weekend so, definitely a good time to go shopping."
Serving holiday blessings to all communities across Hawaii
It is a good time. And experts want you to be safe while at the mall.
"It's going to be very crazy, so watch your purse, watch your wallets, watch your phone, and please don't bring your dogs or animals out shopping," said Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaii. "I know people think it's excitement, but we don't want to see any animals stepped on or injured as everyone's crowded around to go shopping."
"I think just go with their friends," said Maitre. "And go to the right shops, the right places, stay safe."
Other tips - try not to leave any bags in your car, and don't carry too much cash. Others prefer to shop virtually.
"Because you know I realize that it's so much convenient," said Arellano. "I don't have to hustle. I don't have to go to the store. I don't have to like, I mean, being in line. I hate doing that. I'm sorry. I really do."
Analysts say online scams jump close to 30-percent during this Black Friday weekend. So to stay safe, experts advise you double check websites before entering personal or financial info. And shop at trusted retailers.
"I typically only shop online only stores that I know are, like I know," said Arellano. "Right, like if I go to Zara, whatever brand, I already been there I shop there before."
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That way, you can make it to the end of the year for more holiday get-togethers.
"That's not a holiday, that's work for me," said Tamashiro. "That sounds like work. Haha."