STATEN ISLAND - A quiet Black Friday afternoon at the Empire Outlets on Staten Island. No lines and no crowds.

Some shoppers having a store entirely to themselves.

“This is actually my first time in quiet a few years and I just wanted to come out and support the stores and that helps the employees as well,” explained Michele Torres.

The outdoor shopping center on the island’s North Shore is in a designated “yellow zone", meaning more restrictions imposed by the state, like a 25 person limit indoors.

Some shoppers say they feel safer without the crowds, but are still being cautious.

“I am very weary but I figured if you come out early and get your shopping done  and get back in the house so everybody is safe and sound,” said Akesha Browning, a shopper.

“Its a good thing but you know it is sometimes a little disheartening to see you know there not being so many people out shopping because there are a lot of people struggling,” added Chrystle Armstrong, a shopper.

Sajid Rahman and Azara  Merchand moved from India to Brooklyn two months ago. They took the ferry to St. George for some holiday shopping and say they think the pandemic is keeping shoppers at home.

“I didn’t expect it to be so quiet. I am from India and usually Black Friday you hear  about it being flocked and people stand in que for hours so it has been really quiet surprised,” said Merchand.

The National Retail Foundation says holiday sales are expected to grow between three and five percent this year.

According to Adobe Analytics data on Thanksgiving Day, a record $5.1 billion in sales, with over $4 billion of them exclusively online.

The shopping Plaza at Empire Outlets, was closed for the holiday but they will be open the rest of the shopping season, so that New Yorkers who don’t want to stop online have a safe place to pick up gifts.

“We have a lot of outdoor space here. We have over four acres of outdoor space at empire outlets and the social distancing protocol is definitely in effect but we have a beautiful day and we are hoping shoppers come and get a jump start on their holiday shopping, ” said Joseph Ferrara of BFC Partners.

While many retailers are offering the same deals both online and in stores, some Staten Island shoppers say many of those online deals are sold out. So they have to come in person to save some cash.