Nov 27, 2009 2:03 pm US/Central
MOA Lures Shoppers With Gift Bags, $5,000 Prize
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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The mall had a giveaway and lured people in with $25 gift cards, coupon books and a chance for bigger prizes such as a $5,000 shopping spree.
CBS
On the morning of Black Friday, stores all throughout Minnesota had long lines of people
waiting outside when they opened. This year, the Mall of
America tried something new to entice holiday shoppers.
The mall had a giveaway and lured people in with $25 gift cards, coupon books and a chance for bigger prizes such as a $5,000 shopping spree.
People started lining up as early as 8 p.m. Thursday night in hopes of cashing in on the big prize.
"I heard about the promotion and thought I'd come out and try my luck," said shopper Camilla Williams.
Williams was one of around 3,000 that showed up before doors opened at 4 a.m.
"It was a mad mob trying to get to the doors," she added.
Only the first 300 people in the doors were allowed to get in line for a lucky bag.
"I want to win the $5,000. That's what I would love to win. I'm would go home and get my son and come back and go shopping," said an enthusiastic shopper.
Santa's elves passed out gift bags at 6 a.m. and some lucky individuals walked away with Vikings play-off tickets, a $500 Columbia gift card, vacation trips and other prizes.
Samantha Nickel came out in hopes of getting the $25 gift card. Now, she will be going on a free trip.
"I won a 7 day trip for two people to St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands," said Nickel. "I'm very unlucky. So, I guess this is my lucky day."
The winner of the $5,000 shopping spree was Mikelynn Mirtica of Woodbury.
Mirtica didn't want to stand in line and her friends said they convinced her to stay. She is not complaining anymore.
"I am in shock because I never win anything," she said.
A representative of the mall said the turnout was much greater than expected.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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