COEUR d’ALENE — Black Friday proved to be a win for local businesses this year.

For the first time in years, the Silver Lake Mall is at full occupancy, with not a single empty storefront. Hundreds of customers packed the storefronts, browsed offerings from local vendors set up around the mall and even got photos with Santa.

“We’ve worked really hard to get the mall to where it is,” said Brian Knoll, the general manager of Black Sheep Sporting Goods. “The people of Coeur d’Alene have been really supportive in bringing this shopping center back to life ... seeing the smiles on people’s faces has been really rewarding.”

Many shoppers shared Knoll’s enthusiasm.

“We’re so excited to see how busy it is,” said Michelle Lawson, from Rathdrum. “We love our mall, and we like to buy local.”

“I’m happy to see the crowds,” said Shawn Allan, of Coeur d’Alene. “I think people are optimistic this year.”

Black Friday shopping also provided a boost for local vendors, including local children’s book author Annie Winston.

“Lots of books are being sold, and people are excited!” Winston said.

Plenty of Black Friday shoppers also cruised Sherman Avenue for local deals.

“We came down because everything is close by,” said Braden Smith, from Coeur d’Alene.

“There’s such good ambience down here. We love shopping downtown,” said Carry Wolter, who was visiting Smith from Greenacres, Wash.

For many downtown businesses, Black Friday is a tradition they share with the local community.

Each year, All Things Irish on Sherman Avenue hosts a pickle hunt in their store — if customers find the pickle ornament, they get a discount and a keepsake.

“We have families in the area that decorate their trees with pickles they’ve found over the years,” said sales associate Sharon Kearns. “It’s fantastic.”

    Shawn Allan of Coeur d'Alene buys a pair of sunglasses from Alexander Knoll, owner of the outdoor brand Alexander, during Black Friday shopping at the Silver Lake Mall on Friday.
  

Ani, 11 months, and her mom, Shelley, are all smiles during Black Friday shopping at Silver Lake Mall.

Shoppers cruise Sherman Avenue for local deals during Black Friday.