Shoppers flock to Citadel Outlets in Commerce for Black Friday [Video]

COMMERCE, Calif. (KABC) — Shoppers in Southern California wasted no time getting an early jump on Black Friday.

In Commerce, Thanksgiving evening shopping at the Citadel Outlets has become a yearly tradition for many. Those there happily battle the traffic and crowds for a good deal.

Most retailers at the Citadel participated in a so-called “all-night shopping party” that started at 8 p.m. Thursday. Stores will stay open through 11 p.m. Friday.

The popular mall was planning for several thousand people to show up. Shoppers can expect long lines and crowded parking lots.

“We have partnered with (the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department), so we really make sure that the parking is going to be as smooth as possible. Security, of course, is top of mind,” said Renee Brown, regional digital marketing manager of the Citadel.

“It always shocks me when I step on the grounds here, but people are excited,” Brown said. “They’re …