Shoppers left Charlestowne Mall Friday with large shopping bags, but they weren’t filled with typical holiday treasures. Shoppers stocked up on more practical items: housewares, microwaves, appliances, tupper ware, kitchen utensils, suitcases, gym bags and bed sheets.

“We wanted items with more use,” said Glory Spies of Campton Hills.

Shoppers left Carson Pirie Scott with more practical household items such as kitchen appliances and electronic devices.

Spies said she normally does not shop early on Black Friday, but changed her mind this year.

“I typically never go (shopping on Black Friday),” Spies said. “This year there were some things I wanted to save money on.”

She said she purchased some pots and pans for her son.

Liz Signorella of Aurora said saving money was a higher priority this year.

“I’ve definitely been bargain shopping a lot more,” Signorella said.

Signorella said she and her mother woke at 5:30 a.m. to hit five stores including Wal-mart, and planned to visit five more. Signorella, who was shopping for 25 people, said she purchased the same amount of items but ones at a cheaper cost.

“We’ve cut back on what we would spend on (gifts) this year,” Signorella said.

Many empty parking spaces remained in Charlestowne’s lot at noon Friday, although areas closest to Mall and store entrances remained full.