Retailers Gear Up for a Busy Black Friday & Potentially Record-Breaking Holiday Season

SUSSEX COUNTY , Del. - For some, the day after Thanksgiving may be for recovering from a food coma or putting on some comfortable shopping shoes. For retailers, it's a celebration of "being in the black", or at their most profitable.

"We're ready for all of our shoppers this year. Our stores look amazing and they’re very well stocked," said Amy Schnerr, General Manger of Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. Most shoppers skipped brick-and-mortar stores, opting for the safety of online purchases last year. But with the pandemic numbers down, vaccines up, and deal-seekers out and about, retailers like Tanger Outlets are ready for a comeback.  "We are expecting to see our foot traffic levels returning to 2019 levels," Schnerr said. Some experts say this holiday season could even break pre-pandemic records. The National Retailers Federation predicts holiday sales could increase up to 10.5% from 2020. That's despite employee shortages and supply chain issues nationwide.  Tanger will see about 13,000 cars across all three locations this weekend. If you're still not sure about crowds, they have some reassurance.  "As early as 6 AM, our stores will be open and they open until nine at night," Schnerr said. "So it spreads the day out in a nice way that people can definitely find a window to shop that’s not crowded." Can't get away by yourself? Have no fear. If you have to bring the kids, Tanger has an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, and Schellville is open just behind it.  But in all the excitement, don't forget to shop local. "Support the small businesses. It’s been a tough year for a lot of the small business," said Michiko Soto, who owns several businesses Lewes.  Seto says Black Friday has gotten busier downtown in recent years.  Her stores will have food, drinks, and of course, great deals for what she calls "small business weekend". "We’re becoming a lot more of a year-round community. But, for years, since I’ve been here 15 years, it’s always been July and August is kind of our 

. And I was like, 'We’re kind of blessed we get a second

," she said. She says to shop small for fewer crowds and unique stocking stuffers, like the cocktail bombs she sells at Blooming Boutique. "I can’t tell you how much it makes the day for us. And people get very excited when people come in, have their little lists, and we can help them check off people off their list and get them on their merry way," Seto said. This Black Friday will be a big day for big business, as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season offers a deal no sale can top: the feeling that things are finally starting to return to normal.  Seto's stores in Lewes will be open from 9 a.m. to 6.pm Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Small Business Saturday, with sales up to 20% off.  Tanger Outlets opened at 6 a.m. Friday and will be open until 9 p.m. A complete list of Tanger's deals this year are on their 

.