Eager Shoppers Hit Stores On Thanksgiving Day
LUTHERVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―Taking a break from the turkey and going shopping is what thousands of Marylanders are doing Thursday.
Andrea Fujii reports why they like to kick off the shopping season early.
Thanksgiving Day is the new Black Friday, as hundreds of shoppers left turkey preps and spent some dough at the Old Navy in Lutherville.
"I prepared everything, so I actually have time to shop and go home and still do everything for Thanksgiving," said Kaci Conaway, shopper.
Avoiding Friday's madness is the main reason many were there.
"Shopping for the deals before Black Friday," said Tamiko Anscombe, shopper.
"Just game plan for the night, so when I come I'll know where I'm going," said one shopper.
Like many stores, this is the second year Old Navy has opened on Thanksgiving Day to boost sales.
"People line up to be the first ones in the door to get some really great deals," said Elaine Hahn, Old Navy district manager.
Experts are optimistic about this season.
At least 138 million people are expected to shop Black Friday, up 3-percent from last year. And a new survey finds six out of ten shoppers will spend the same amount or more this year.
Shoppers say they're not missing out on Black Friday; they're making out.
"I'm buying some pajama bottoms for the family," said Anscome.
"It's a little low key, but the prices are still the same as if they'll be tomorrow," said Conaway.
Financial experts are also optimistic about Cyber Monday. Since Nov. 1, online consumers have already spent $9 billion-- up 13 percent from last year.
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