Snow, Cold Doesn't Keep Black Friday Shoppers At Bay
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It is officially on – deep discount shopping has begun all over the metro.
Best Buy opened at 5 p.m., with lines beginning at 12 p.m. Target at Ridgedale opened at 6 p.m., lines there began at 3:30 p.m.
Just a few years ago, Black Friday shopping was still taking place on Friday. But now, for those really focused on finding a deal, Black Friday is really all about Thursday.
Minnesotans who were out and about Thursday evening said the wait is really worth it.
Time flies when you're having fun, or when you've got a good place in line.
"It's five minutes after 5 p.m. We're done. We're going home. We're going to watch football," shopper Jim Hanson said.
And he'll have something big to watch it on. Just like all the other electronics seekers at Best Buy for the 5 p.m. opening.
TV's were hot, so were laptops and gaming gear.
About an hour later, and a few blocks over, Target at Ridgedale opened for the night. Hundreds streamed in and set off across store.
Abdul Hassan was the first to walk in, seeking a TV after a nearly three hour wait.
Although it was cold outside, the electricity inside seemed to warm everyone up.
"Actually, I love this day. This is probably one of my favorite days of the year and I think for my team is the same," store manager Chrissi McShane said.
Despite other stores decision to give employees the day off, McShane said all 80 of her employees volunteered to work.
Apple products went fast and so did the toys.
"Games and some Legos and some fuzzy towels. You can't let this go or you'll be revealing my Christmas gifts," shopper Danelle Coutts said.
After cooking a turkey for 24 people she got even more accomplished Thursday evening.
"I got bargains! And I got like five gifts done so that's a good thing," Coutts said.
Coutts, like all of these folks, knows how to be proactive and not be slowed down, even by a TV reporter
"I gotta go get in line, Have a good night. Happy Thanksgiving," Coutts said.
For any that fell victim to the tryptophan, there's still plenty of toys to be had as Target, and a number of other stores, will be open through the night.
