BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - The Mall of America was closed Thursday for Thanksgiving, but at 5 a.m. Black Friday, the doors opened wide for the huge crowds waiting outside.
Mall representatives say that 2,500 people were in line at 5 a.m., in line with a year ago.KARE 11 talked with people from around the world who wanted to experience the hype of Black Friday -- including one mom from Minnetonka who had been there since 7:30 p.m. Thursday."We don't have Black Friday in Germany and I think it's an experience you can enjoy with your friends. We had fun. We didn't sleep, but we had fun today," said Alina Otto, of Germany."We were here last year we got here at like 4 in the morning just for fun," said Jeannie Judge. "And so at 4 in the morning last year we said, 'Hey, next year let's just do an all-nighter.'"An MOA spokesperson says Black Friday is all about creating and enjoying and experience for thousands of shoppers."Online shopping is definitely changing the dynamic of the shopping industry, but we embrace that. It forces us to be creative and to really look at and focus on what brick and mortar is all about it's about the experience," said Jill Renslow, Senior Vice-President of Business Development.Throughout the weekend, MOA is giving away scratch-off tickets where shoppers can win prizes including electronics, sporting tickets and more. You can find those tickets at the mall's north entrance.Shoppers who spend at least $250 will receive a reward. They can choose from Nickelodeon Universe wristbands, and Sea Life and Crayola Experience tickets.BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE:Every big Black Friday deal and doorbuster right here!Here are the 10 best deals for Black Friday 2017These are the best Apple deals for Black Friday 2017The 5 worst things to buy on Black FridayFind more at kare11.com/waystosave