Local

Shoppers hit the malls, stores as Black Friday gets into full swing

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Many Black Friday shoppers lined up overnight, or hit the roads early to join the shopping frenzy.

Thousands of people lined up outside the Florida Mall Thanksgiving night. Many store owners said they expect people to spend more money this year.

People have more time to shop this year because some stores, including some at the Orlando Premium Outlets, have been open since 10 a.m. Thursday. Other stores at the mall opened at midnight. All of the stores were opened before dawn Friday.

More Info: Black Friday Shopping Guide


It looked like business as usual in the pre-dawn hours Friday at many stores, as shoppers hit the stores.

It's much earlier than most people are used to doing their shopping, but most seemed happy to be out in the crowds.

"We're getting $250 worth of stuff, for $150, so we're saving a hundred bucks," said shopper Rick Harris. He said that saving the money is what sent him to Toys R Us on Thanksgiving.

Shopper Jason Miner said he was at Best Buy because his television just broke.

"I don't have any TV at home, no form or way to watch my entertainment, my computer, my play station. This was the only way I was going to be able to afford it," Miner said.

The thrill and appeal of big discounts sent thousands to stores like Kmart, Best Buy and Toys R Us, even before Black Friday officially began.

Florida Mall got in on the action for the first time and opened at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving.

Shopper Ricky Cisneros said he didn't feel like he was giving up his Thanksgiving by spending part of it at the mall.

"Not really, because you can always eat after. That's the way I look at it. Either way, dinner will be ready. Thanksgiving – there's always leftovers," Cisneros said.

The National Retail Federation predicts more than 140 million people will take advantage of Black Friday shopping, especially with it starting on Thursday.