Black Friday used to mark the true start of the holiday shopping season, but now retailers begin offering discounts at the start of November.
Still, Mike Kauffman, manager at Eastview Mall says that doesn't mean Black Friday is merely symbolic. It's a big day for stores, with 40 percent of all adults estimated to be shopping.
Eastview, Marketplace and the Mall at Greece Ridge all opened at 7 a.m. today.
Even Kauffman admits, though, the Black Friday crowds are not for everyone.
"People either seem to love a day like today when there's a lot of excitement and a lot of people in the mall and you run into friends and neighbors and you have a fun family day, or they really prefer to stay away and shop when it's a lot quieter."
If you want those convenient parking spots close to store entrances, Kauffman said it's best to wait until Monday or Tuesday.