Shoppers get out early in hopes of snagging Black Friday deals at Cherry Hill Mall

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- Shoppers got up and out early, some still in their pajamas, to get a start on their holiday shopping with Black Friday deals.

Many lined up outside JCPenney's before the sun rose Friday morning, waiting for the doors to open at 5 a.m.

Action News asked one young girl named Julianna why she wanted to get up early. She responded, "I didn't!"

But in the name of tradition, and a good deal, sacrifices had to be made.

Kat Marchowsky, from Hammonton, was the first one in line at 4:30 a.m. with her mom and friend.

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"I think it's just a fun tradition and it's my mom's birthday, and she does this every year, so I think it's nice to spend time with her and I also think it's a really good way to start and end Christmas shopping," Marchowsky said.

Others made sure to caffeinate first before their long day of shopping, although not quite as long as it used to be.

One group of ladies said they used to get to the Cherry Hill Mall around 3 a.m.

"We would drive here the day before, we'd have Thanksgiving dinner and then we'd get up at the crack of dawn -- Wawa and then here," said Arlene Genden Sage, from New York.

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"We're from New York and my aunt lives in Jersey, and we've been coming every year since I was seven," added Brittany Sage.

While the big box stores have extended hours for the holiday shopping day, there are also opportunities to shop small at the Cherry Hill Mall, with local vendors set up in the Grand Court.

"Black Friday is my favorite vending day of the year - all the hustle and bustle," said organizer Kathy Hott, from Hott Promotions.

The mall itself closes at 9 p.m., but Macy's and JCPenney are staying open for an extra hour on Friday.