South Florida malls are planning to treat early bird shoppers to freebies and perks Friday.

The Friday after Thanksgiving — called Black Friday because it's typically a big sales day for retailers — is considered the official start to the holiday shopping season. Malls in the region are hoping to draw shoppers with special offerings.

Here's a look at what's happening:

Aventura Mall will offer early-bird shoppers valet parking and free Starbucks coffee outside the mall entrance.

The Mall at Wellington Green will pamper some lucky shoppers. The first 100 customers to purchase $500 worth of mall gift cards (in a single transaction) will receive a $100 gift certificate from SpaFinder, redeemable at any of the nearly 4,000 spas worldwide.

At The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, shoppers can use text messaging to find out about hot Black Friday deals and promotions and be eligible to win prizes. Shoppers can text the mall at 97904 to learn about the day’s special deals.

Then, for the next eight days, Gardens Mall shoppers can text the same number to learn how to register to win a luxury gift basket filled with more than $4,000 worth of merchandise and gift cards.

-- Jaclyn Giovis

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