Black Friday Is Nearer, Suwanee

In a week, throngs of holiday shoppers will descend on retailers in and around Suwanee in a mad rush to scoop up bargains.

Expect large crowds at the Mall of Georgia in Buford and as they kick off the holiday season.

Also, Kohl's, which has a Suwanee store, also is releasing Black Friday information.

Do you know of any Suwanee stores or restaurants offering Black Friday specials? Tell us in the comments or email steve.burns@patch.com

The mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will open at 4 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. The mall will remain open until 10 p.m. on Black Friday.

Early shoppers may stop by the Simon Guest Services desk between 4 a.m. and 4:55 a.m. to register for a $500 American Express Simon gift card. The winner will be selected at 5 a.m. and must be present to claim the prize within 30 minutes or the prize will be forfeited and awarded to the next name drawn. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter. One entry per person, no purchase is necessary.

On Saturday, Nov. 26, shoppers can fight the mall crowds from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. If you still have shopping to do, head back to the mall Sunday and shop from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In Suwanee, Walmart is open 24 hours, but Walmart.com is offering a preview of the Black Friday ad.

If shopping does not completely drain you, consider giving the Red Cross a chance to do so during their weekend-long Mall of Georgia blood drive. Shoppers can give blood from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25-27 on the upper level between Belk and Nordstrom.