Millions of Americans are expected to head to the stores on Thanksgiving Day for holiday gifts in what's quickly becoming a new holiday tradition.
Many people skipped the traditional turkey and instead went straight for the deals.
People pitched tents outside Best Buy on East Colonial Drive. Some people told WFTV they've been there since 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Eric Carbajal pitched a tent Wednesday afternoon. He and his 17-year-old son were among the first in line at the Best Buy on East Colonial Drive.
He said it was the offer of a 50-inch Panasonic TV for $200 that brought him out. He said he's been through this before.
"First couple times we did it we were unprepared. After doing it a few times, you kind of figure out what you're going to need," said Carbajal.
Others in line told Channel 9's Julie Salomone that they aren't skipping time with their families because they brought family with them.
Kevin Sutton claimed the first spot in line at the Best Buy near the Florida Mall. He has waited for 15 days, hoping to save hundreds on the same TV Carbajal is hoping to get.
"I need a good deal on the TV," said Sutton.
Sutton, who is a local radio personality, has used his lengthy stay outside the store to help gather canned goods for the Catholic Charities of Central Florida. He hoped to collect 200 cans, but his van was filled with many more than that.
"(I) got people to come with two cans, one can, three cans. Some people bring a couple of bags," said Sutton.
He said it was meeting the homeless on the streets of Orlando that got him thinking less about the electronics he wanted and more about helping those in need. He called it "showing your best before you buy."
The Best Buy stores opened at 5 p.m. Thursday. A number of other stores, including Macy's, Kmart, Walmart
"It's definitely worth the wait. To save $300-$400 on a TV – it's definitely worth the wait," said Carbajal.
Many people skipped the traditional turkey and instead went straight for the deals.
People pitched tents outside Best Buy on East Colonial Drive. Some people told WFTV they've been there since 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Eric Carbajal pitched a tent Wednesday afternoon. He and his 17-year-old son were among the first in line at the Best Buy on East Colonial Drive.
He said it was the offer of a 50-inch Panasonic TV for $200 that brought him out. He said he's been through this before.
"First couple times we did it we were unprepared. After doing it a few times, you kind of figure out what you're going to need," said Carbajal.
Others in line told Channel 9's Julie Salomone that they aren't skipping time with their families because they brought family with them.
Kevin Sutton claimed the first spot in line at the Best Buy near the Florida Mall. He has waited for 15 days, hoping to save hundreds on the same TV Carbajal is hoping to get.
"I need a good deal on the TV," said Sutton.
Sutton, who is a local radio personality, has used his lengthy stay outside the store to help gather canned goods for the Catholic Charities of Central Florida. He hoped to collect 200 cans, but his van was filled with many more than that.
"(I) got people to come with two cans, one can, three cans. Some people bring a couple of bags," said Sutton.
He said it was meeting the homeless on the streets of Orlando that got him thinking less about the electronics he wanted and more about helping those in need. He called it "showing your best before you buy."
The Best Buy stores opened at 5 p.m. Thursday. A number of other stores, including Macy's, Kmart, Walmart
"It's definitely worth the wait. To save $300-$400 on a TV – it's definitely worth the wait," said Carbajal.
WFTV
