Local retailers are expecting a further increase in Christmas sales

Big crowds are expected at local malls and malls on Black Friday, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

One of the busiest spots will be Eastview Mall in Victor, and general manager Mike Kauffman said many shoppers still enjoy going out, even though people don’t line up as long in the early morning hours as they once did there for the overall experience.

“Of course there are some people who choose to stay away on Black Friday, but for many people it is a tradition with their families or friends,” Kauffman said. “They love getting out, they know there will be a lot of people, a lot of people shopping, some lines, but they enjoy the excitement of Black Friday.”

Unlike years ago, when some stores in Eastview and other malls and plazas opened the night before or hours before sunrise, Kauffman said most stores that open early Friday will do so at 7 a.m

He said the mall is receiving assistance from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department during the holiday shopping season with both traffic and general security.

Kauffman also expects retailers at the mall to see an increase in sales of about 4% to 6% compared to last year.

That’s slightly higher than the national average expected by the National Retail Federation, which expects an increase of about 3.5%. NPR reports that shoppers spent 9.6% more on online purchases alone in November, according to Adobe Analytics.

On a statewide level, Kelsey Dorado Bobersky, director of state and local government relations for the Retail Council of New York State, said her members are also expecting slightly higher sales than last year.

In terms of what’s trending in gift-giving this year, Bobersky said gift cards are often a very popular choice. And for kids, Bobersky said Jellycat plush toys were a big hit this year.

At Eastview, Kauffman expects electronics and apparel to perform particularly well.

A number of New York State residents will be spending more money on gifts this season. According to a recent Siena College survey, 36% of New Yorkers expect to spend more on holiday gifts this season than last year, 24% expect to spend less and 39% expect their holiday spending to be about the same will be like a year ago.

This story contains reporting from NPR.