San Francisco’s Union Square boosts safety for in-person Black Friday shopping [Video]

Thanksgiving is Thursday, which means Black Friday is around the corner.

While the Bay Area will be giving thanks tomorrow, the following day, some will be in pursuit of deals, as it marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

San Francisco’s Union Square was abuzz with shoppers getting a head start Wednesday.

Marisa Rodriguez of the Union Square Alliance said that the city’s premier shopping district is already luring in customers with deals.

“People are trying to see what they may want, pre-sales,” Rodriguez said. “The energy and excitement is palpable.”

Shoppers said they are venturing back to Union Square after improved safety measures in the area, adding that nothing can beat the experience of shopping in person.

“We came down here to get some hot cocoa, to experience the Christmas tree, to see all the lights in the city,” said Jenee Rojas. “Do some holiday shopping, sometimes …