Black Friday Bargain Hunters Kick Start Shortened Holiday Shopping Season
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Get ready to shop 'til you drop.
Black Friday bargain hunters are flocking to stores to find the best sales before they run out.
"It's the best time to catch the deals and get everything you need for the holidays," one woman told CBS2.
Some early birds even started their shopping early Thursday morning. Kmart opened its doors at 6 a.m. Thursday, and Macy's in Herald Square was open all night.
CBS2's Dave Carlin spoke with shoppers at Newport Centre in Jersey City.
"I love shopping," Elizabeth Kamara said.
"If it's not a deal, I'm not getting it," said Dawn Butler.
"Certain stores on jeans, they're really good, like 50% off. I was surprised. Or buy-one-get-one-free," Sarina Class said.
MORE: Black Friday To Welcome 114 Million Shoppers Into Stores, But Some Reject The Frenzy
The National Retail Federation expects Black Friday will again be the busiest in-store shopping day of the year, estimating 114.6 million Americans will participate. This year is a bit of a mad dash with Thanksgiving falling later on the calendar, giving consumers six fewer shopping days until Christmas.
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger says a budget spreadsheet and gift list are crucial.
"Check your prices out online. Then go to the stores. You'll be much smarter," she said.
"We will see online sales grow at double digit paces again. I think what's another interesting trend though is that we are seeing this new thing called 'BOPUIS' (buy online pick up in store). A 40% increase from a year ago."
She also said merchants are feeling good this season, thanks to the economy.
"We see a lot more people who have jobs this year. The unemployment rate is near a 50-year low – 3.6% - and that boosts confidence," she said. "As a result, I think that people are feeling like, 'Hey you know what, I got a little bit of a wage increase, inflation's pretty low, I've got more money, I'm going to spend this year.'"
According to retail experts, today's best deals are on electronics and accessories. Wait for Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday for clothing and other items.
If you didn't battle the crowds this Black Friday, don't worry, the National Retail Federation says since consumers are spreading out holiday shopping retailers are offering promotions all season long.