Publications & Sites 
Shoppers flock to Harlem Irving Plaza on Black Friday
Antonio Jimenez of Chicago takes a breather from Black Friday shopping at Harlem-Irving Plaza on Nov. 23. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: December 30, 2012 6:21AM
NORRIDGE — Timing is everything when shopping on Black Friday.
Julie Fonseca of Chicago was at Harlem Irving Plaza in Norridge at midnight Friday, but not to shop. Fonseca dropped off her daughter, who was working an eight-hour shift at one of the stores.
“It was crazy,” she said. “There were so many people waiting to get in.”
So Fonseca went back home, took a nap and came back later, when she and her daughter finished their shopping.
“It wasn’t bad at eight,” she said, “but now that it’s getting close to noon, it’s getting crowded.”
But she did get the items for which she was looking.
The Lazarras of Norridge, who were loaded down with packages, had a plan.
“The plan was to bring dad to carry the bags,” Anthony Lazzara said.
Kristina Lazzara started shopping around mid-morning, also.
“It went pretty well,” she said
The plaza was a little too crowded for Denise Lazzara’s tastes.
“I like coming Monday through Friday during the day,” she said, with a laugh.
Kimberly Lazzara said she was happy with her shopping expedition.
“But I need more hands, and more money,” she said.
“I pretty much got what I came for,” Jillian Lazzara added.
Shopping around 8:45 a.m. was just awesome, according to Araceli Gonzales.
“It was a little crowded, but I came here for the deals,” she said. “Those deals end at 1 (p.m.)”
David Gonzales said the crowd was like one would expect on a Saturday.
Giselle Devilla of Schiller Park got the mall around 10 a.m.
“I was looking around,” she said. “This is a quick trip.”
