At the Shops at Pembroke Gardens, a new outdoor mall in Pembroke Pines, some shoppers making the rounds were unimpressed with Black Friday sales.

Marlene Garau, 20, of Miami Lakes, said she and a friend had hit the Aventura Mall earlier but found “better than normal” discounts only at one store, Urban Outfitters. By 9 a.m., the friends each had picked up a shirt and jacket that was an additional half off the sale price.

Garau, who recently lost her job as a receptionist in a Fort Lauderdale salon, said she certainly is spending less this holiday season.

“Not a lot of people are giving gifts this year. We’re just like … money is tight,” said Garau, as she searched for more bargains at Pembroke Gardens.

-- Doreen Hemlock, staff writer, Sun Sentinel

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