Is San Francisco’s Union Square still a draw for Black Friday shoppers? Here’s what people are saying

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Union Square was alive Friday with the sights and sounds of the holidays.

“I love it. It’s a really cool place. I love hanging out here,” said Jack Moss.

But while some were here for the photos, we came with a special mission in mind.

Traditionally Black Friday is all about in-person holiday shopping.

We all remember those days when people used to physically fight with each other about the latest holiday trend.

But now things are different, and we want to know if Union Square is still a holiday destination for people in the Bay Area.

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By the tree, we met East Bay residents Cheryl Jones and Beverly Clayton.

Jones says she plans on doing most of her shopping online, but still thinks visiting Union Square is a holiday necessity.

“It’s the vibe that we wanted to experience. We’ve never been out here after Thanksgiving. We’re out here for people watching, eating,” she said.

MORE: Black Friday shoppers line up overnight waiting for deals at Bass Pro Shops in San Jose

But Clayton likes doing her gift buying in person.

She even tells us she misses the old Black Friday where you used to line up and run into the stores.

“You got to push your way in. Back in the days of Blondie’s Pizza and stuff like that. I told her I’m reminiscing,” said Clayton.

While almost everyone we spoke with said they would do at least part of their shopping online, they also told us there’s something special about coming to Union Square.

And many were excited to show us exactly what they were buying.

“We got a Mario hat. And then I got my dad kind of a matching one of mine, but kind of a Mario version,” said Shannon Francisco.

For years after the COVID-19 pandemic, security was a concern in this area.

MORE: Here’s what San Franciscans are grateful for this Thanksgiving Day

But with the city making a conscious effort to make people feel safe, shoppers like Berta Greenlee are noticing.

“I see great improvement. As we were walking up from BART, there are these Christmas ornaments, giant ornaments. Chance to take pictures. There was security everywhere,” she said.

That’s why for everyone considering coming down here, Greenlee has this to say.

“Come back to San Francisco. There is everything you want here.”