Shoppers Prepare For Black Friday
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The turkey and trimmings can go out the window; some say the main event is Black Friday. This year, the deals are starting sooner than ever.
Meghan McCorkell has more on dedicated shoppers looking to save big bucks.
It isn't even Thanksgiving yet but the race for Black Friday deals has already started. If you wanted to be first in line, you're already too late.
It isn't extreme camping. It's extreme shopping.
"We just have to sit in the tent and suffer until it opens," said Mike Long.
"It's a good time," said Jim Davis.
Last year, these guys spent four days outside the White Marsh Best Buy.
"Last year, we got computers real cheap. This year, they have 42 inch for like 200 bucks, which a lot of people are going after," said Doug Imhoff.
Black Friday is expected to be a big money-maker.
"Fifty-five million Americans--about 29 percent of adults--say they're going to be shopping on Black Friday. That's a big number. That's the first uptick we've seen in a few years," said Tod Marks, Consumer Reports.
Retailers project netting 10 percent of its November profits on Friday alone. That has doors opening earlier. At Towson Town Center, 32 stores--including Macy's--will open at midnight on Thursday.
"We actually have a lot of stores that are opening and giving doorbuster sales. There's 40 to 50 percent off, which is obviously significant," said Annie Wildasin, Towson Town Center.
And shoppers are raring to go.
"Whatever we can grab, we're going to get it," said Marquis Graves.
"I have an eight-year-old and a 10-year-old and they both want electronics this year for christmas so Black Friday is my day to shop," said Doneisha Garrison.
With Christmas lists getting longe,r the need for deals is even strong.
"A dragon and a Samaria Power Ranger and one more thing," said six-year-old Gabriel Golden.
The earliest store opening is Toys-R-Us, which opens at 9 p.m. Thursday. Wal-Mart opens an hour later at 10 p.m.
Many other big box stores, like Target and Best Buy, will open at midnight.
