Capitola Mall Set for Black Friday Midnight Madness

There once was a time when Thanksgiving weekend was just about family, friends, a good meal, and yes, even giving thanks. Somewhere along the way, those values were paired with consumerism, huge discounts on big-ticket items and sleep deprivation for the Christmas shopping crowd.

Dubbed Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving is now known solely for the masses that line up outside malls and big-box stores in search of that 80-percent-discounted flat screen. 

Joining the trend, opening for the first time ever at midnight this year, is the Capitola Mall. Those planning to check out the 41st Avenue shopping mecca should plan to arrive early, as the first 250 through the doors will receive gift bags with special offers and holiday items.

"The key will be that there are four special bags being given out," Capitola Mall Marketing Manager Bryce Root told Patch. "Each of those bags will have a $50 gift card from the mall."

The majority of the stores in the mall will be open all throughout the wee hours, Root said. The heavy hitters, and , will open at midnight, with unlocking its doors at 4 a.m.

DJ Showbiz of KDON will be playing music all morning long for the expected capacity crowd and will hold hourly raffles with $100 mall gift cards, "as well as items from stores such as Macy’s, Express, Santa Cruz Apparel, GNC and many more," Root said.

For a list of big-time Black Friday deals, click here.