MISHAWAKA, Ind. (WSBT) — Black Friday shopping is in full force across the area.

The day looks different from how it did a decade ago, when most people would line up early for the best deals.

Based on recent Black Friday years, you may have expected to see fewer people going out in person to shop on Friday due to recent consumer trends and online shopping.

But at the Mishawaka mall, in-person shopping is picking up.

While some did start shopping early, it’s been a consistent flow of people visiting the mall throughout the afternoon.

“Yeah, it’s been a crazy morning in a good way. Really busy. And it’s just gotten busier over the course of the day. So we’ve seen a second or third wave of people coming in, and just amazing to see all the people that are here,” said Christian Carlson, area director of marketing and business development.

Many shoppers said there’s less of a need to show up early, saying many of the deals are still available later in the day, and items stay stocked.

But Black Friday was not always that way.

‘I remember years ago, probably 10 years ago, just getting up super early, 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning to get in line. I think the deals are just as available, showing up at 10 and 11, instead of 6,” said Miranda Jenkins, shopper on Black Friday.

Others noticed a difference in the number of people out shopping at the mall on Friday, seeing an increase even from last year.

“Yes, normally last year there’s like nothing this year people are parking crazy in the parking lot making up spots, and there’s no room anywhere,” said Mehgan Waggoner, shopper on Black Friday.

The National Retail Federation is expecting a record number of people, 186.9 million, who are planning to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.

That number is up about 3 million from last year, with Black Friday projecting 130.4 million of those shoppers, according to the NRF’s 2025 November Holiday Consumer Survey.

“I think online shopping is growing, certainly. And we all shop online. I do too. But it might be one or two items that I buy at a time, where, see, you can come and get bags or stuff. You can try it on, touch it, feel it. It’s just a little bit different experience,” said Carlson.

Whether shopping online or in person, this holiday weekend will be one that most of us use to get ahead of Christmas shopping.