Black Friday Shoppers Got Early Start

Many began the traditional shopping frenzy Thursday night

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Nov 23, 2012 at 5:51 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 23, 2012 at 7:11 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - For Black Friday shoppers, getting a deal comes at a price. Many waited in long lines for hours in the freezing cold. Despite the low temperatures, spirits remained high.

“I’m here because I like the excitement, and to get a tablet on top of it. It's cheaper,” said Donnetta Doughty.

This year deals were available earlier than ever before. For the first time Sears and Wal-Mart opened at eight o’clock Thanksgiving night and the hours are getting mixed reviews.

“It’s too early, a little bit too early. Needs to be a little bit later,” said Doughty.

“I like it because I don't want to wake up really early on Friday and do it, but at the same time it's kind of mean to the families who actually work at the stores. They should have the full day to be with their families,” said Jason Terry, who was toward the front of the line at Sears.

For some families, holiday shopping is a new turkey day tradition.

“To be honest with you, I was out here this early because my dad wanted to get one of the TVs and I wanted to spend Thanksgiving with my dad. So I sat out here with him while he froze,” said Sean Bascom, who lined up at Best Buy at five o’clock Thursday morning.

Best Buy opened its doors at midnight. Retailers know earlier hours are a good way to bring in business because a lot of people are eager to score great deals on electronics. But not everyone is a fan of the midnight madness.

“I don't like it. It ruins the whole idea of Black Friday. I like it better when they open on the morning of Friday,” said Kristen Shubert.

While Shubert might not be happy about it, she was still out shopping with the rest of the crowd.

“You have to be. If you want something out here you have to come out. Whether you like it at the time or not.”

Whether stores open during the middle of dinner or the middle of the night, there will always be people there, ready to shop til they drop.

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