ORLANDO, Fla. — Despite backlash from consumers and some employees, plenty of major stores are competing hard for shoppers by opening on Thanksgiving Day.
The Orlando Premium Outlet Mall was crowded early Thursday morning and into the afternoon.
Shoppers told Channel 9’s Julie Salomone that they wanted to get to the stores early to avoid the Black Friday crowds.
Trina Thorn is visiting from England for the third time. Thorn said she decided to shop on Thanksgiving to avoid the crowds Friday.
“We don’t do Black Friday because it’s crazy. So we always come here to the outlets the day before,” Thorn said.
Some stores at select locations will remain closed Thursday, including Bed Bath and Beyond, Staples, HHGregg and Sam’s Club.
Every year, shoppers at Best Buy skip the Thanksgiving meal and line up outside the store.
Linda Collins told Eyewitness News that she got in line 5 a.m. Wednesday to get her hands on the best deals when the store opens.
She said she needs to get an Xbox for her grandson, and also a Toshiba TV for just under $200.
“These are like doorbusters, and you can only get them in the store when they open at 5. I know that because I’ve done this before,” Collins said.
Best Buy and Toys R Us opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, Target opens at 6 p.m.
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Cox Media Group
