San Diegans looking for deals lined up early for Black Friday shopping, hitting local stores Thursday night to get a jump on their holiday list.
Thursday morning, some residents had tents up at one Best Buy store at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. The store opened at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and remained open through 1 a.m. Friday. The location planned to open again bright and early at 8 a.m. on Black Friday.
And, while some shoppers were out to score the best bargains, others said Black Friday shopping has become a family tradition.
“We had our [Thanksgiving] dinner about two hours ago, and now [my family is shopping] everywhere,” local Gilbert Urbena told NBC 7 as he shopped at the La Mesa Best Buy. “[We’re] just trying to get the best deal.”
By 6 a.m. Friday, the line at the La Mesa Best Buy had whittled down. Over at the Best Buy in Mission Valley, there were about a dozen shoppers lined up, waiting for the doors to open.
“We’re just here to get some gifts,” one shopper told NBC 7, adding that he was happy to see the short line.
The shopper said he had tackled Black Friday sales in the past, although he noted that before, the lines were much longer.
Local
“This is a lot better,” he said, smiling.
This year, Americans are planning to spend an average of $935.58 when heading to the stores for the holidays, according to a National Retail Federation survey.
In recent years, shoppers have reportedly been moving away from buying items and moving toward spending money on experiences.
This year, many stores will open early and stay open late the Friday after Thanksgiving. Some companies are opting to keep their stores closed, urging customers and employees to enjoy time outdoors.
If you're planning on heading out to shop this Thanksgiving and Black Friday, take a look at when San Diego-area stores open by clicking here.
